CATM keeps Beale Airmen on target Published Feb. 14, 2014 By Staff Sgt. Robert M. Trujillo 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Beale Airmen are tasked to deploy every day, and with most of these taskings requiring Airmen to be armed for combat. With the Air Force becoming more involved with joint operations and ground combat there is more emphasis on weapons qualification. "It doesn't matter what your job is, when you're deployed, you could be called upon to fight," said Staff Sgt. Angel Madrigal, 9th Security Forces Squadron combat arms instructor. "This can be a surprise to some traditionally non-combat Airman." The instructors at the 9th SFS combat arms section are entrusted to teach Airmen to put rounds on target. "Our mission is to ensure Airmen are ready to utilize their weapon safely and effectively," Madrigal said. "This will make them more capable should they find themselves in hostile situation." All of the weapons qualification courses require students to become familiar with their primary weapon inside and out. Course highlights include: assembly, disassembly, loading, unloading, proper firing form, aiming, breathing techniques, sight picture, preventive maintenance and weapons safety. For some, this can be an intimidating and eye opening experience. "I was a little nervous to say the least," said 2nd Lt. Heather Watts, 9th Operations Squadron, who is preparing for her first deployment. "Prior to this course, I've only shot for recreation." Watts, an Air Force Academy graduate, said that the CATM instructors brought a sense of reality and importance to her deployment. "They showed me how important it is to be prepared for combat," Watts said. "By the end of the course, I was confident in my training." Madrigal stated that's just what CATM strives to do, instill confidence. "For the most part, the weapon you train with is the weapon you deploy with," Madrigal said. "Having confidence in your training and in your weapon goes a long way in combat."