Features

Raven applicants refuse to quit in preparation to become one

by Senior Airman Kristof J. Rixmann
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
February 6, 2020
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jalen Branch, 7th Reconnaissance Squadron internal security response member and Raven applicant, stationed at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy, left, participates in a simulated scenario where an unauthorized individual is attempting to gain access to a restricted area, during a Raven pre-qualification course on Ramstein Air Base, Jan. 15. Branch effectively de-escalates the situation by utilizing a commonly taught law enforcement technique known as “Verbal Judo.” The Ramstein Air Base Ravens pre-qualification course, instructed by the 86th Security Forces Ravens section, tests an applicant’s ability to endure extreme mental and physical strain in preparation for the 26-day Raven qualification course at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. 
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Trevor Holman, 7th Reconnaissance Squadron area supervisor and Raven applicant, stationed at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy, practices his baton strike with Airman 1st Class Jalen Branch, 7th RS internal security response member and Raven applicant, during a weeklong Raven pre-qualification course held on Ramstein Air Base, Jan. 15. The baton training teaches how to maximize deterrence of a hostile individual, minimize exposure to the attacker, and ensure a baton strike falls within the realm of a legal strike.
(left) U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jalen Branch, 7th Reconnaissance Squadron internal security response member and Raven applicant, stationed at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy, receives feedback from 86th Security Forces Ravens section members after participating in the “Redman” exercise, which simulated a physical altercation with a hostile individual on Ramstein Air Base, Jan. 16. During this exercise, the risk of sustaining an injury, such as a concussion, is high, but its purpose is important and well-intentioned for the participating applicant. It shows the Raven applicant how they personally respond to unbridled, violent behavior. Through mentorship and reflection they learn what they can do differently if they are left to defend themselves, or others, in an actual violent situation.
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Trevor Holman, 7th Reconnaissance Squadron area supervisor and Raven applicant, stationed at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy, blocks a blow during the “Redman” exercise as part of the 86th Security Forces Raven pre-qualification course on Ramstein Air Base, Jan. 17. The purpose of the “Redman” exercise is to simulate a hostile individual actively seeking to harm the defender. Throughout a Raven applicant’s training for the “Redman” exercise, they learn how to protect themselves and deter a potential adversary without using excessive force.
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jalen Branch, 7th Reconnaissance Squadron internal security response member and Raven applicant, stationed at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy, strikes the “Redman” using his baton during a live practice on Ramstein Air Base, Jan. 16. Branch practiced baton strikes, blocking, and evasive maneuvers for the following day’s “Redman” exercise. The “Redman” exercise, when run at 100 percent intensity, simulates a hostile individual actively seeking to harm the defender — a situation Branch could find himself in once he completes the qualification course and becomes a Raven.
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