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Gen. Mike Minihan, Commander of Air Mobility Command, visits the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station June 8, 2024.

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914th SFS trains with heavy weapons

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Matthew Burke
  • 914th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. --  More than 25 members of the 914th Security Forces Squadron traveled to Canadian Forces Base Borden in Barrie, Ontario from April 9th-11th, 2015.

914 SFS personnel were there to practice and maintain proficiency on the M249 squad automatic weapon and M240B machine gun.

"It's a requirement for Security Forces to maintain a certain number of individuals to have this qualification," said Master Sgt. Stephen Houseman, noncommissioned officer in charge, 914 SFS Combat Arms Training and Maintenance. "We are certifying and familiarizing our line instructors and field personnel on weapons they will be equipped with on an upcoming deployment."

Although NFARS recently built a state-of-the-art indoor firing range for base personnel to qualify on weapons, the outdoor range at CFB Borden provides unique terrain and real-world application. CFB Borden is approximately two and a half hours from NFARS, but it is the closest range that provides full-spectrum training opportunities.

"Here, we don't have the capabilities to fire out to long distance," said Houseman. "We come to CFB Borden because of the proximity to Niagara and the cooperation of the installation and Canadian troops. This is the closest place to fire out to 600-800 meters."

Members of the 914 SFS performed tasks with the weapons such as: breakdown and cleaning, responding to a stoppage and weapon employment. They also learned to employ the use of a tripod designed to assist with weapon stability and a traversing and elevation knob which allows the operator a more precise target engagement.

"We try to do this twice a year to stagger qualifications," said Houseman. "We've been doing (this trip) for about 16 years now."

As often is the case in early April, the weather forecasted high winds and afternoon rain for Northern Ontario. With a little luck the members of the 914th SFS had a small window of good weather to conduct training.

"Rain is troublesome because the steam from a hot barrel can make them more dangerous," said Houseman. "We were fortunate that, although it was windy, it was blowing downrange, keeping gas and debris away from the shooters."

With the current financial climate causing challenges with the operating budget, combat arms trainers and deploying personnel stressed the importance of the trip to CFB Borden. It provides an opportunity for camaraderie as well as necessary, real-world training.

"I was most excited to fire the 240," said Senior Airman Ryan Rusin , 914 SFS who is a Security Forces apprentice from Lancaster, N.Y. "The trip is awesome. Go out with the guys, have some pizza, then wake up, train like you're supposed to, and head home."