by Glenn Tschimpke
Staff Writer
Spurred by terrorist attacks against military and civilian targets in recent years, the U.S. Navy teamed recently with Florida Community College at Jacksonville to bolster its internal security training.
Last December, the community college was awarded a five-year, $10 million contract to provide a range of security training, including law enforcement, maritime search and seizure, anti-terrorism and shipboard security.
The advent of additional security training signals a shift in priorities for the Navy.
“The Navy has never had an internal police force,” said FCCJ’s military program coordinator John T. Revenaugh. “After the terrorist attack, it became fairly evident to protect the fleet, to protect the base internally and to protect the sailors, the Navy needs a police force.”
Two courses, law enforcement and search and seizure, started Jan. 22.
The six-week law enforcement class is taught at Kings Bay Strategic Weapons Facility near St. Mary’s, Ga. Students are given proficiency training in general law enforcement techniques including use of force, apprehension, search and seizure and use of handguns, rifles and shotguns.
“Most students are right out of boot camp. So these guys have never touched a pistol before,” said FCCJ’s dean of work force development Dr. Bruce Brunson.
The Navy is considering making law enforcement an enlisted job specialty, which would mirror other military branches. Junior enlisted personnel are currently sent through the course at Kings Bay. Graduates would then be able to follow a Navy career path in law enforcement.
A one-week maritime board, search and seizure class is also underway at Mayport Naval Station. Students are taught how to board potentially hostile ships, identify threats and defend themselves if necessary.
“It goes beyond kicking the door open and taking the stash of dope,” said Revenaugh. “It goes through armed self defense, it goes through handcuffing and detaining people. It’s pretty intense.”
Fleet-wide, with similar training outlets in San Diego and Norfolk, the Navy intends to train 8,000 sailors this year. FCCJ, with 25-member classes, will account for just over 400 at the current rate.
The anti-terrorist and shipboard security classes, also awarded to FCCJ, are currently under development.
FCCJ had about a month to cull qualified instructors for its new training courses. They were able to use the strength of Jacksonville’s high concentration of ex-military civilians.
“I had to get some very physically fit, to say the least, instructors,” said Brunson. “I have some ex-Navy Seals, Air Force, Coast Guard and Marine instructors.”