YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan – Members of the 374th Security Forces Squadron here participated in taser training August 14.
Several members of the unit learned how to operate the M26 and X26C tasers, and other members participated in live demonstrations of the weapon by volunteering to be shocked.
"The X26C shoots out prongs that attach to the body and causes an override in all of you bodily functions causing you to lock up, while the M26 is applied directly and uses pain compliance which is extremely overwhelming," said Master Sgt. Dave Stevenson, taser training instructor.
The tasers provide security forces member with another non-lethal tool available to do their job.
"When I was hit with the X26C it felt like electricity was radiating through my body," said Master Sgt. Brett Hopkins, 374th SFS NCOIC of training. "It is scarier to me than pepper spray or a baton, but it is safer. After feeling it myself I know that it is very effective."