Illinois Guard members train Suriname military in security techniques

By Air Force Master Sgt. Christopher Stewart
South Dakota National Guard

Air Force Master Sgt. Todd Agans, a member of the 183rd Security Forces Squadron, Illinois National Guard, shows members of the Suriname army proper techniques for handcuffing detainees in Paramaribo, Suriname July 8, 2011. This training is part of exercise New Horizons Suriname 2011. Over 600 U.S. military personnel and 50 Surinamese military personnel will participate in the exercise at various times over a three month period. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Master Sgt. Christopher Stewart)(Released)
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PARAMARIBO, Suriname (07/20/11) – Airmen from the 183rd Security Forces Squadron, Illinois National Guard, began the security techniques training course for the second group of Suriname military personnel here July 8.

The Suriname soldiers began the four week security course, which is being taught by U.S. military personnel. In the first week of this course, Suriname soldiers learned basic techniques in hand-to-hand combat, handcuffing, troop movements and searching techniques.

These skills are being taught by Airmen of the 183rd Security Forces Squadron, who are the instructors for the first two weeks of the course.

"There is a little bit of a language barrier," said Air Force Master Sgt. Jason Bennett. "However, they are very excited to learn, they are very happy to have us here, and they always want to learn more."

"[The training] is good," said Suriname army Sgt. Voeter C., a Suriname infantryman. "You are never too old or too young to learn."

Bennett said the biggest difficulty about teaching the course is the fact that the Suriname soldiers are not used to repetitive practicing.

"They are starting to understand that repetition makes them better," Bennett said.

Bennett added that the training has also benefitted some of the younger trainers with the 183rd.

"With us being [police officers] and them being infantry, there are always things we can learn from each other," he said. "Now that the younger Airmen have the opportunity to teach classes, they are learning how to instruct."

Training by the 183rd will be followed up by two weeks if training from U.S. Marines.

The 183rd is taking part in the New Horizons Suriname 2011 exercise.

New Horizons Suriname 2011 is a cooperative effort between the government of Suriname and U. S. Southern Command that provides training opportunities for the U.S. military and Suriname while helping improve the quality of life for the people of Suriname.

More than 600 Airmen, Soldiers, Marines and Sailors are constructing playgrounds, schools, clinics, participating in humanitarian events, and training security forces as part of the New Horizons exercise, which runs from June 2 to Sept. 2.

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