Security forces bike patrols learning new skills, tactics Published June 23, 2010 By Joe B. Wiles 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Nine members of the 71st Security Forces Squadron tactical bicycle patrol are spending this week pedaling more than 100 miles, and learning to "be one with the bike." Tech. Sgt. Tony Odell and Staff Sgt. John Haines, both certified tactical bike patrol instructors from the 56th SFS at Luke AFB, Ariz., are teaching nine members of the Vance bike patrol advanced skills such as maneuvering through crowds, using both the pedals and brakes. "When we first started the course Monday, the riders didn't believe the course through the orange cones was possible," said Sergeant Odell. By the afternoon of the first day of training, the Vance students were doing very well, said Sergeant Odell. "We are urging them to keep their central of balance low and become one with the bike," he said. "The members will ride their bikes more than 100 miles through the course of the week and gather valuable training for tactical bike patrolling," said David Harris, the 71st SFS training manager. By using bicycles, Vance security forces can better patrol the base and take a more proactive approach to law enforcement, Mr Harris said. Bikes save on fuel, help preserve the environment and are an excellent source of physical training, he added. Team Vance will see an increase in bike patrols on all shifts in the coming weeks, said Mr. Harris.