Shooting to make a difference

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Zachiah Roberson
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Teaching combat skills that could possibly save lives is a very heavy duty, but Senior Airman Jesus Barraza, 319th Security Forces Squadron combat arms instructor, shoots for a fun and informative teaching style.

"During my classes, I try to make it as fun as I possibly can while making sure I cover what I have to," said Barraza.

Barraza goes over how to disassemble and assemble weapons, load and reload as well as immediate and remedial actions.

The day before a class is scheduled, paperwork is organized and the necessary equipment is ready, said Barraza. Even as the class is being conducted, instructors work behind the scenes to set up for the shooting portion of class, gathering rounds and preparing the shooting line.

"There may only be one classroom instructor but it takes a team to do this job, I just get lucky enough to do the teaching aspect," said Barraza, native of Perris, Calif.

A large portion of the course is based on how to safely operate the equipment. Keeping Airmen safe from other Airmen is one of the main priorities in this course.

"We have many safety measures set forth for these courses and they are set up for just that reason," said Barraza. "We all agree to them because we know what it's like to have a gun pointed at us and it's not a good feeling."

All safety matters aside, the rest of the course is designed to help Airmen understand the basics of weapon operations with knowledge passed on through Barraza's teachings.

"With their time here I feel that I teach people what they need to know to complete their mission," said Barraza. "I have people do hands-on training until I feel that they have grasped every concept of my teaching."

Being qualified on more than five different weapons and a marksman on the M-4 carbine and the M-9 handgun, Barraza has an extensive knowledge of the weapons being used in today's Air Force.

"When people are on the range, we are out there coaching them and trying our best to help them succeed to their fullest potential," said Barraza. "We can't make people pass, but we do our best to give them the tools to do so."

He said the opportunity to meet new people is also an awesome facet of his job.

"I really do enjoy this job; my favorite part is being in the classroom. The reason I like it is because I can teach them the way I want, the way I feel best works," said Barraza.

"If I could I would do this job for the rest of my career."