VBSS: Combatting Piracy, Conducting Embargos
Sailors Run, Climb, and Shoot Their Way Through VBSS Training
12 August 2016
"One minute, thirty seconds!" yells an instructor. The warning pushes the Sailors to get their gear on faster.
The sound of Velcro is heard as an Ensign helps a junior Sailor secure his M4 rifle to his utility belt. On the other side of the formation, a chief clicks on his helmet then helps his "swim buddy" finish putting on equipment. Although their rates and ranks may vary, one thing they all have in common is the goal to become visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) members.
"[VBSS's] mission was originally accomplished by special operations forces (SOF)" said Jonathan Brown, a VBSS instructor. "And it's an onsite inspection of a vessel's cargo, crew and anything else it's carrying. The Navy came up with the noncompliant Visit, board, search and seizure course for Sailors, so that they can be able to do this job which was taking so much of SOF's time."
On day one, Sailors find themselves climbing a 30-foot ledge- a narrow metal ladder that sways with the light breeze. This obstacle prepares them for initially boarding a vessel out at sea.
"It was a lot skinner than I thought it would be," said Ensign Phillip Lezznar, a rock climber and current VBSS student. "You think of a normal ladder that is about 18 inches wide, this is a little six inch wide ladder with metal rope. You're bouncing around; it is a little difficult, especially with full gear on."
Next, Sailors move onto weapons familiarization and three days of live-fire exercises. A refresher to their M9 service pistol and M4 rifle qualifications. Weapons qualifications along with passing the Security Reaction Force Basic and Advanced courses are prerequisites required for the three week-long training.
"I've never shot this many rounds before," said Electrician's Mate 3rd Class Ahmed Amin, a VBSS student. "Nothing is better than coming in prepared and knowing how to deal with the M4 and M9. I had to remediate the gun shoot, but I gained a lot of experience from the first time I went through it. The second time I was pretty good with my targets and finished on decent time."
On top of the hands-on training, students are required to go through two hours of physical exercise prior to training and get assigned homework once the day is over.
It's probably one of the most intense courses the Navy has to offer." - Brown
"Every morning, the Sailors go through rigorous physical training," said Brown, a retired chief. "In the three days of shooting that the course offers there is more shooting than they will probably do in their whole career. It's not an easy course and not everyone makes it."
As tough as the training is, instructors emphasize teamwork and leadership on the students to help them overcome the obstacles.
"One of the best things about the course is the leadership," said Brown. "Not many junior Sailors get the opportunity to practice leadership. The most junior Sailor here will, at one point in the course, be in charge of all the students and have responsibilities as a team leader. Also, you are responsible for your team; without your team, you are nothing. The team concept is huge, it makes them rely on each other and care about each other."
Out of 24 students who started, only 17 graduated. Sonar Technician 3rd Class Tiffany Fox was one of the graduates. Since the beginning of her naval career, she knew VBSS was something she wanted to do. She also happened to be the only female in the class.
"I made it my vendetta that this is something I would do and accomplish," said Fox. "When I got here I was barely a marksmen shooter and I think my skills significantly improved. I think the way [instructors] teach and motivate you, is highly effective."
Once students finish the first week of the course, they move on to tactical movements and room clearing. On the last week, students jump in water and learn water survival skills.
"If somebody wants to do VBSS, they should try to do it," said Fox. "Before this course, I didn't feel as prepared to stand armed watches. Now, I think if something actually happened.
"I would be more prepared and capable to deal with the situation," Fox added. "Overall, the training helped me to be mentally prepared for anything that can come up."