Mind over matter: Ravens reflect on mental challenges of training
By Staff Sgt. Nathan G. Bevier, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center Public Affairs / Published February 25, 2009
FORT DIX, N.J. --
Many of the 35 students attending the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center's Phoenix Raven Training Course said they expected a "tough, physical experience" while training. By the end of the course on Feb. 20, many found the mental challenges of Raven training outweighed the physical side.
Phoenix Raven is an intensive 18-day, 12-hour-a-day course for security forces, said Tech. Sgt. Ryan Thompson, Raven course director for the 421st Combat Training Squadron. Once graduated, Raven teams fly with aircrews to austere air bases throughout the world protecting the aircraft, cargo and personnel aboard. Since the Raven Program's inception in 1997, no aircraft or person has been lost under the care of a Raven team.
"This course covers specialized training in areas such as cross-cultural awareness, legal considerations and unarmed self-defense techniques," Sergeant Thompson said. "Students are exposed to more than 70 use-of-force scenarios where stress is simulated by role players. Training includes instruction and realistic practical exercises using skills that include defensive tactics and verbal judo."
Verbal judo, as related by a majority of the students, was one of the top skills learned in the course. The training helps security forces "use words as a tool to redirect behavior, defuse difficult situations and generate voluntary compliance from unruly individuals without the use of force," according to the Air Force Phoenix Raven Program guide, Air Force Instruction 31-104.
"We teach the skill so Ravens can defuse a situation with the least amount of physical reaction," Sergeant Thompson said. "Developing a mind-mouth harmony is the greatest skill in the world. Without this skill, you may instigate violence, lose your credibility, alienate people, or lose friends."
Staff Sgt. Meghan Donahue, from the 437th Security Forces Squadron at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., said Raven training is designed to challenge you both physically and mentally.
"Every drill, warmup and technique prepared me mentally and physically for each and every day of training," Sergeant Donahue said. "I learned how far I could push my mind and body while performing the proper techniques. The Raven course is the most beneficial training I have ever experienced. It helps with testing your skill and abilities."
Airman First Class Keith Perry, 143rd Security Forces Squadron at Quonset State Airport, R.I., praised his newfound verbal judo skills. "Verbal judo showed me that words are more powerful when used correctly," Airman Perry said.
Sergeant Thompson said verbal judo is not only used by security forces to control situations, but can also be used in normal everyday activities. "It can enhance professionalism by reducing complaints and personal stress by having fewer arguments," Sergeant Thompson said. "At the same time it increases efficiency by saying things right the first time."
One security forces Airman from the 817th Contingency Response Group at McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., said the training pushed her to her limits.
"I feel better prepared for a mission because the training was so in depth," Senior Airman Amber Reese said. "It pushed my body and mind further than I could have imagined. I would relay to others to keep their head in the game and to never quit, even when you feel like you may not make it. It's just push-push-push! Other Ravens will keep encouraging you, so don't give up."
Airman Perry added the training not only prepared the students to detect, deter and counter threats, but gave them the confidence to do so. "You must be prepared in all aspects to find out about yourself," he said. "Be ready to expand your comfort zone willingly or the instructors will do it for you."
Since 1997, the Raven course has taught more than 1,700 Ravens and each one has learned that mind over matter is one of their best weapons, Sergeant Thompson said. Many also refer back to their training as life changing.
"The training gave us the right skills to accomplish the mission we have set before us," said Master at Arms Seaman Kyle Reed, Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, Calif. "The training is some of the best I have ever received."