Emergency Services Teams (EST)
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| United States Air Force Emergency Services Teams (EST) |
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The Air Force began to implement a number of new initiatives, one of which would eventually develop into the Emergency Services Team (EST) concept. The initial EST training program was developed in late 1979, by Lackland AFB, TX. Based on the civilian SWAT team model, selected SP personnel would be trained in tactical response techniques and hostage negotiation skills. The initial concept proved so successful that when the Army began to form a similar capability within its Military Police Corps, it sent its troops to Lackland for training.
The first use of the EST came during a hostage situation that had developed on Fort Sam Houston, TX. An armed suspect had shot and killed an Army MP, and barricaded himself inside a building. The Army requested assistance from the Air Force and the Lackland AFB EST deployed. The hostage negotiation team was able to convince the suspect to surrender with out the EST having to act.
By the end of 1979, the Security Forces Academy, located on Lackland AFB, began to conduct formal instruction for ESTs.
In another little-known operation the Lackland EST was involved in, the EST provided additional security to the Shah of Iran, his family, and staff. Known as Operation Eagle, the Lackland EST, USAF OSI, US Secret Service, FBI, and 3700 Security Police Squadron provided around the clock security for the Shah. One member of the EST was assigned to the Shah's Protective Service Detail (PSD) during his entire stay in the US, and accompanied him during trips abroad.
In April of 1980, the Air Force Inspector General (IG) ordered the formation of a new highly mobile security force. The IG stated that there was a need for "a specially equipped, highly trained tactical response force that could be deployed on short notice to assist commanders beyond the local capability". The force was established at the Lackland AFB Security Police Academy. The new unit was known as the Air Force Special Emergency Service Flight. The flight consisted of 27 people, and was broken down in to 6 teams of 4 men, 2 supervisors, and a commanding officer. The unit was tasked with conducting tactical assault operations in support of the local base EST.
Currently all Air Force installations maintain the capability to deploy an EST. EST personnel are selected from volunteers serving in the host installations Security Forces (SF- formally SP) unit. All potential EST volunteers are assessed during a battery of tests:
Upon acceptance with the unit, the new member will be placed on a probationary status for a period of at least six months. During this period he is constantly monitored by his fellow team members and supervisors. Upon the completion of this probationary period, the new recruit is eligible to attend the EST Course at the Security and Law Enforcement Joint Training Center, at Lackland.
ESTs are tasked with performing the following:
Secondary tasks include:
The standard EST consists of a four-man entry team, with multiple teams combining depending on the task. The actual composition of the EST will vary depending on the size of the host installation and the personnel available.
EST weapons include the M-9 Barreta 9mm pistol, the Remington 870 shotgun, the M-16A2 and M-4 carbine, Remington 700 sniper rilfes, and heavy weapons from the ESTs parent SF unit. Uniforms include BDUs in various colors and patterns (woodland, black, dark blue), Nomex flame retardant flight suits, gloves, and balaclavas, and Kevlar helmets.