On the day that the news is reporting that GSG 9 der Bundespolizei  (one of the finest anti-terrorist groups in the world) has arrested three Muslim men planning to conduct large bomb attacks against Ramstein Air Base in Germany, there is word that the US Air Force is taking steps to increase it’s capabilities.  A new program designed to increase the ability for Air Force personnel to defend themselves is LONG overdue.  At Kadena Air Base Okinawa Japan (where I spent two years as a Special Ops aviator and planner) Security Force personnel are teaching tactics to regular units.  This press release by Senior Airman Nestor Cruz 18th Wing Public Affairs outlines the program called “Selective Arming” or SELARM some extracts:

•  A few units have already completed training with the 18th Security Forces Squadron through the selective arming program which gives them the ability to respond immediately to an enemy threat
• These units… underwent specialized training in reporting attacks, setting up entry control points, and protecting themselves, their squadron's members and resources to achieve their mission goals in a hostile environment.
• "During the two-day training course, we taught SELARM personnel how to react to gunfire and move tactically around buildings," said Tech. Sgt. Raymond Marsh, 18th SFS NCO-in-charge of training. "Members also learned security reporting procedures, fire control measures and airbase defense."  

• June of 1941, Telegram from Prime Minister to Secretary of State and Chief of the Air Staff:      Further to my minute of June 20, about the responsibility of the air force for the local and static defence of aerodromes.  Every man in air force uniform ought to be armed with something – a rifle, a tommy gun, a pistol, a pike, or a mace; and everyone, without exception, should do at least one hour’s drill and practice every day. Every airman should have his place in the defense scheme. At least once a week an alarm should be given as an exercise (stated clearly beforehand in the signal that this is an exercise) and everyman should be at his post.  Ninety per cent should be at their fighting stations in five minutes at the most, it would be understood by all ranks that they are expected to fight and die in the defence of their airfields. Every building which fits in the scheme of defence should be prepared, so that each has to be conquered one by one by the enemy’s parachute or glider troops.  Each of these posts should have its leader appointed.  In two or three hours the troops will arrive; meanwhile every post should resist and must be maintained—be it only a cottage or a mess – so that the enemy has to master each one. This is a slow and expensive process for him.   

Churchill worried about parachute or glider troops, we have the specter of terrorists penetrating our bases, there was a plot in the US and now one in Germany, it’s time to expand this program immediately.