JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J.—The Phoenix Ravens are the elite of the Air Force Security Forces. They are deployed to areas where security is deemed inadequate, and are the first to set foot off the plane. They’re also a rather diplomatic bunch.
Although trained in the arts of self defense—kicks, punches, ground fighting, and disarming techniques—among the most powerful tools the Ravens hold is what they refer to as “verbal judo.”
“Since I became a Raven, we haven’t had any incidents where anyone had to use the training, as far as physical training, on any of their missions,” said Technical Sgt. Chasity Hert, 33, Raven number 945.
Hert is the noncommissioned officer in charge (NCOIC) of the Phoenix Raven training program at the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center at the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey. The military base is where airmen go for training before deploying to a war zone, and is also home to the Phoenix Raven training program.
The role of the Ravens is to protect the aircraft—both on the ground and off. Once a plane lands, they are the first on the ground and are sent to secure the perimeter. They then keep an eye out for potential threats and make sure individuals keep the right distance from the aircraft.
