Contingency Response Group stages defender training for multiple units in Puerto Rico

Airmen from the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group staged security forces training here recently to benefit more than 30 Guard defenders from multiple units.

The training, held Sept. 14-17, focused on heavy-weapons handling, close-quarters combat, land navigation and building-clearing tactics, said Tech. Sgt. Parker Hennings, a combat arms instructor with the unit. Airmen from other career fields also received security forces training during the event, expanding their experience as multi-capable Airmen.

The 123rd CRG is designed for rapid deployment to austere locations, where its mission is to establish fully functional forward operating bases in preparation for the arrival of more permanent forces. The group consists of Airmen from a broad spectrum of career fields, including security forces.

“In the CRG, security forces are responsible for the defense and security of everyone working the mission,” Hennings said. “During training, our goals are to make sure non-security forces Airmen and newer defenders are comfortable with our tactics, overall enhancing the CR’s warfighting capabilities.”

The Kentucky Airmen trained during the event with defenders from the Indiana Air Guard’s 113th Contingency Response Squadron and the Puerto Rico Air Guard’s 156th Contingency Response Group.

“It’s realistic to train alongside Airmen from different units,” Hennings explained, noting that multiple squadrons are often blended together when deployed. “It’s crucial to have well-established working relationships to increase the overall lethality of the CR community.”

For Airman 1st Class Grace Lozano, a security forces specialist with the 123rd CRG, the multi-unit environment provided firsthand experience on how different skill sets come together in an operational environment.

“Being a newer member of the CRG, I haven’t worked with a lot of other units, but this has been a great experience,” Lozano said. “We all get the same training. Then we come together and use our knowledge, and it works out pretty well.”

Having been a member of the unit for only two years, Lozano emphasized the importance of preparing herself for future missions and praised the training for the opportunities it provided, allowing her to expand career knowledge beyond her typical working environment by learning the ins and outs of equipment and techniques used during deployments.

Before arriving in Puerto Rico, Lozano was concerned about operating in an unfamiliar environment. But as training progressed, she gained confidence, becoming more comfortable with her role and surroundings.

For Hennings, that shift is tied to the group’s training objectives. He noted the importance of using facilities at Puerto Rico National Guard bases, saying they provide instructors and Airmen with resources to build confidence.

“Training locations are selected based on what’s going on around the world and where our Airmen may deploy to,” Hennings said. “Having them train in these scenarios builds their confidence to employ their knowledge in environments they may see in the future.”

Lozano expressed her appreciation for the people and work that come with being a security forces specialist. Even while facing obstacles, she said, the group continued to find solutions through innovation as a team.

“My job, for sure, isn’t easy,” said Lozano, who was recognized a top performer during the training event. “But I love it. We have a lot of good people, and the training is always an amazing experience.

“Even in the suck, we make it great. I think that’s a really special part of it all.”

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