Course reminds participants to maintain awareness

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jill McClarney and Mike Molina
  • Air Reserve Personnel Center
DENVER --  What is a threat environment? What are the color classifications of threat awareness? How can you minimize risks and be prepared for emergency situations? 

On May 16, Airmen and civilians at the Air Reserve Personnel Center learned the answers to these questions and others when they attended the I DEFEND course in the Webber Auditorium.

"The goal here is to teach people about situational awareness," said Maj. Kurt Schuh, the course instructor and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance assignment facilitator at ARPC. "A lot of people are unprepared (for a threat). I want people to think about basic preparedness."

During the course Major Schuh discussed the four color classifications of awareness to a threat environment -- white, yellow, orange and red.

White represents minimal or no awareness of one's surroundings. Major Schuh described it as someone who drives the same route every day without noticing their surroundings.

The threats and awareness increase with each color, and students watched video and heard examples of each during the class. 

Major Schuh is a career intelligence officer with more than 28 years in the Air Force. He has been involved in counter-terrorism and force protection since his deployment to Beirut, Lebanon, in 1983. 

He has also received formal training from the Joint Special Operations University. 

Understanding threats applies to everyone, regardless of whether you wear a uniform or not, Major Schuh said.

"Understanding your vulnerabilities is key," he said. "You could be the strongest guy in the world, but you're not going to stop a hurricane from picking you up and tossing you hundreds of feet."

Master Sgt. Lisamichelle Hughes-Belt, DPP, said the class was informative and invaluable. 

"Major Schuh made me realize how easy it is for us to become complacent and too comfortable in our day-to-day lives and routines," she said. 

To learn more about threat awareness, sign up for the next I DEFEND class scheduled for Aug. 15.