Defenders practice OPFOR attack techniques

Simulating opposing forces begin to attack during readiness exercise Beverly Midnight 16-01, on Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, March 8, 2016. Beverly Midnight 16-01 provides ROK and U.S. armed forces the opportunity to hone resourceful skills that can be used in the event of real-world contingencies. The 51st Security Forces Squadron utilized Airmen and U.S. Army personnel to train as opposing forces while teaching them combat skills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kristin High/Released)

Defenders practice OPFOR attack techniques

A U.S. Army infantryman acts as opposing forces during readiness exercise Beverly Midnight 16-01, on Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, March 8, 2016. Beverly Midnight 16-01 provides ROK and U.S. armed forces the opportunity to hone resourceful skills used in the event of real-world contingencies. The 51st Security Forces Squadron utilized Airmen and Soldiers to play opposing forces while teaching them combat skills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kristin High/Released)

Defenders practice OPFOR attack techniques

Staff Sgt. Joshua Sams, 51st Security Forces Squadron wing inspection team member, gives an out-brief after a simulated attack during readiness exercise Beverly Midnight 16-01, on Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, March 8, 2016. Sams discussed the simulated attack to the defenders, giving advice on areas for improvement. The exercise allowed defenders to practice for real-world contingencies while honing combat skills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kristin High/Released)

Defenders practice OPFOR attack techniques

Published March 8, 2016
By by Senior Airman Kristin High
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --
Security Forces defenders charged full-speed into readiness exercise Beverly Midnight 16-01 during multiple opposing forces attacks, March 7, 2016.

Beverly Midnight 16-01 is one of many recurring exercises held at Osan allowing the defenders and augmentees to train year-round in the high operations environment.

More than 60 augmentees, including Army infantry personnel, traveled here to participate in the exercise, creating a joint-service training opportunity for the Osan defenders.

“Practicing these attacks allows us to perfect our combat tactics in the event of a real-world incident,” said Airman Devin Howard, 51st Security Forces Squadron defender. “Practice makes perfect and exercises like this allows us to be more prepared for contingency operations.”

With both strategic and tactical training, they are able to protect more than 10,000 U.S. service members and their families stationed at Osan.

The Army personnel assisted with small unit tactics helping Airmen on a day-to-day basis.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Romaine Wisdom, Alpha Company 2-8 1st Brigade 11B infantryman, was one of 19 personnel embedded with the 51st SFS defenders.

“We implemented various maneuvers to make it harder for the Air Force personnel to attack,” he said. “Our communication is the key to our success with these training scenarios.”

The tactical simulated attacks give defenders the opportunity to showcase their ability to position, employ and sustain forces.

“The stress from the environment allows for a better training opportunity,” said Tech. Sgt. Thomas Valenzuela, 51st SFS standards and evaluations and Wing Inspection Team member. “It creates a livelier, realistic scenario helping our Airmen here prepare for real-world contingencies in the event of foreign aggression.”