Spartan Soldiers learn self-defense against sexual assault

  • Published
  • By Army Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Smith
  • 4-25th ABCT Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  Police officers with the University Police Department, University of Alaska Anchorage, took some time between semesters to train a group of female paratroopers in sexual assault defense August 5 through 8 at the Arctic Warrior Events Center on JBER.

The police officers taught paratroopers from the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, defense tactics and techniques from the nationally recognized Rape Aggression Defense personal defense system.

The RAD system instructs women of all ages and fitness levels on how to react and defend themselves in the event of an attack.

The four-day program provides basic physical and non-physical defense options for women while providing some insight into an attacker's mindset.

A large portion of the training focuses on the "four risks:" risk awareness, risk recognition, risk reduction, and risk avoidance, said UAA Deputy Chief Brad Munn, the lead RAD instructor.

"It's about reminding people to be aware of their surroundings, to know what is going on, and staying aware...Recognition is looking for things that seem out of place.

It's the little things that most people don't think about every day, like getting in a cab or an elevator with someone who looks a little strange...We talk about ways to reduce risks, like not spending your whole time on the phone texting and not wearing two ear buds while listening to music, so you have one ear free to hear someone coming from behind," said Munn.

Physical self defense is the bulk of the course after the first day.

"The physical part of it is teaching about blocks, striking motions, and kicks. We talk about things like escaping from bear hugs and chokes.

"Most of the stuff we teach is pretty basic, so pretty much anyone can go through the class. We've had students from 13 years old to into their 60s and older come to this class ... We do a lot of repetitive motion. We're trying to build muscle memory into people, so they can do these moves without actually thinking too much about them," said Munn.

"I've been through levels one and two of (Army) Combatives, and this really gives you that extra step," said Spc. Stephanie Kiser, a student at the training who is assigned to the 725th Brigade Support Battalion I like it because it's a class full of females, and I believe these females should know how to defend themselves."

"I've watched these Soldiers do the training, and it is great additional training for them," said the 4-25th IBCT's Brigade Victim Advocate, Army Staff Sgt. Jonikka Robertson, a key organizer of the event. "On the grounds of self-defense, I just think it's helpful. I believe it's beneficial for any female."

The nationally recognized RAD system is endorsed by the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators. Since its inception in 1989, RAD has trained more than 300,000 women in the U.S. and Canada.