Vandenberg leadership 'rides the lightning' at Taser training

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Austin Fallin
  • 30th Security Forces Squadron
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  They call it riding the lightning: a 50,000 volt blast inducing complete neuromuscular incapacitation. They look at me with excited eyes trying to hold back smirks while prepping me for five seconds of inconceivable suffering.

A trigger squeeze, a succession of jackhammer Big Bangs on full-auto, and then everything I ever knew disappears. Love, pain, fear, hope, hunger, acceptance, desire--all gone, worse than gone; they simply never were. My only reality is as small and dense and insatiable as a black hole. The concept of time in this focused awareness is nonexistent. My blood: lit rocket fuel. My bones: splintering, cracking in half, marrow burning through the fissures like straight acid.

The intensity of it all had a sound beyond sound--something dark and infinite and concussive. An eternity into the five seconds I had my first and only thought: I want this universe of pain to end.

And then it did.

The Taser X26 Electronic Control Device. It was, in short, Hell. But, at least I went through it in good company.

Col. Richard Boltz, 30th Space Wing commander, Col. Keith Balts, 30th SW vice commander and others received Taser familiarization training April 7 to learn firsthand the unique advantages that the Taser provides to the 30th Security Forces Squadron.

Security forces training manager Christopher Baltazar began the training by describing the operation of the Taser, a small yellow handgun-shaped device. Mr. Baltazar explained that the Taser deploys two probes, one of which shoots straight while the other shoots downward at an eight degree angle. Optimally, one probe strikes the upper half of the body and one strikes the lower, thus using the entire body to complete the electrical circuit. Current is cycled through the probes for five very long seconds. As long as the probes remain attached to the individual, police personnel can administer additional five-second rides until the battery runs out, though one shock generally gets complete compliance from an individual.

"As far as the Taser's role in law enforcement, it's filled a major gap," said Mr. Baltazar.

In 2008, Vandenberg's 30th SFS acquired Taser technology and has since used it to make the base a safer place in many regards.

Before Tasers came on line, there was a large unaccounted-for area between the police baton and the sidearm. The Taser provides a safer way of dealing with individuals in situations where lethal force is not required.

"The reason why it's safe for the officer is because I don't have to be within arm's reach," Mr. Baltazar said. "For me to use my batton I have to be within a foot or two."

The increased safety that the Taser provides is not limited only to security forces individuals, but those they protect as well. During the training with Colonel Boltz, Mr. Baltazar introduced Staff Sgt. Jasyn Burby who effectively employed the Taser in a real-world situation at Vandenberg. The incident involved a female on base who held a dagger to her stomach threatening suicide in a bathtub. Attempts to negotiate with her were unsuccessful. She began to depress the dagger into her stomach. Sergeant Burby, who had his Taser ready at his side, took aim and fired. The jolt from the Taser sent the dagger flying across the bathroom and the individual was secured.

With the help of the Taser, Sergeant Burby "alleviated that problem and saved her life," Said Mr. Baltazar.

Sergeant Burby noted that the situation was "a good example of how a Taser can assist law enforcement as well as assist the general public."

The Taser also acts as an effective deterrent force, eliminating the need for escalated confrontation in many cases.

"As soon as people see that little yellow gun they comply right away," said Mr. Baltazar.

After familiarization with the weapon and examples of how it has aided in past operations it was time for the real fun. Colonel Boltz volunteered to ride the lightning first. Two security forces members supported him under the arms. After chanting the ominous incantation of 'Taser-Taser-Taser,' Mr. Baltazar squeezed the trigger, administering electrical current through the Taser's wires and into Col Boltz's body. His muscles clinched in absolute agony for the full five seconds. He fell forward to the ground, helped by the two men at his sides. When the current stopped his face showed exhausted relief.

Everyone who lined up for the five-second ride had similar reactions. Watching this was terrifying. Experiencing it was something far worse.

Having gone through it, I highly recommend that you comply with your local law enforcement officer to avoid the experience at all costs. The Taser is devastating, and it is because of that fact that it helps the 30th SFS keep Vandenberg safe.

As Vandenberg's largest unit, the 30th SFS plays a key role in fulfilling the 30th SW's mission of command and control of the Western Range by securing nearly 100,000 acres of Vandenberg property. On top of that, the unit has the responsibility of providing for the safety of the Vandenberg community.

While the Taser can't accomplish these vast missions on its own, it does prove to be a valuable--and excruciatingly painful--asset to the Airmen out on patrol.

 

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