Wing SFS sees change on horizon Published Sept. 28, 2007 MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- The 446th Security Forces Squadron is changing the way it does business - beginning with new air base defense sustainment training. The goal is to ensure every squad in the 446th SFS is highly trained in relevant tactical skills, prepared mentally, and are physically tough to accomplish today's security forces mission, and be ready for the deployed down range scenarios. "If you're not physically active to perform at a level where you can conduct combat foot patrols that go from zero to calamity in seconds, plus wear heavy personal protective gear in extreme weather while doing it, then you become a liability to the team and the squadron," said Master Sgt. Lenny Deboma, 446th SFS senior air reserve technician. In the next several months, security forces Airmen will emphasize air base defense skills, conduct physical training each unit training assembly weekend, and receive new protective gear. "We want everyone in the unit to receive updated protective gear so we can train in it," said Sergeant Deboma. "We don't want to wait until we deploy to get it." Squadron leaders are also looking at sending Airmen to Patriot Defender in 2008. Patriot Defender is a two-week exercise geared toward combat deployments. It covers all aspects of air base ground defense, including convoy training and improvised explosive device training. In FY 2007, more than 13 people within the squadron were deployed for more than a combined total of 1,100 days for Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. (Story contributed by 446th Security Forces Squadron)