Athletes from the Jacksonville Armada FC visited Center for Security Forces (CENSECFOR) Learning Site Mayport to show their appreciation to local service members and learn about Navy security training, Aug. 31.

The visit to CENSECFOR is part of Armada FC's campaign to reach out and recognize public servants in the local community.

"We believe that professional sports are a positive avenue to connect people to each other," said Michael Hulme, Armada FC public relations representative. "An important part of that is showcasing to the players and the community everything that the military does for them."

The visitors received a guided tour of the training facility, which included stops at the indoor firing range, force protection ship simulator, and the small arms training simulator.

The visitors took part in small arms marksmanship training using the small arms weapons simulator. This allowed them to experience first-hand the type of training Sailors receive to best prepare them to serve in the Fleet.

"It was interesting to see how the quick decision making skills that a professional athlete learns on the field translates to the techniques that we teach in relation to the use of force," said Sonar Technician 1st Class Hector Herrera.

"Their communication while under stress was impressive," said Senior Chief Douglass Johannes, CENSECFOR Learning Site Mayport senior enlisted leader, "It was obvious who the vocal players are on the soccer field based on those who gave the most verbal directions in the simulator. Those are skills that it can take a long time to instill in someone with limited experience working with a team in a high stress environment, but these athletes seemed to pick it up very naturally."

"It was exciting to meet some great athletes and show them a little of what we do," said Chief Petty Officer Alan Howell. "The respect and appreciation they gave us and the interest they had in learning about what we teach was very humbling."

"The players had a really great time, said Hulme. "Those that couldn't make it are jealous, and we look forward to the possibility of coming back and learning more in the future."

The Center for Security Forces provides specialized training to more than 23,000 students per year. It has 14 training locations across the United States and around the world where training breeds confidence.

For more information about the Center for Security Forces, visit us at http://www.navy.mil/local/csf.

For more news from the Center for Security Forces, visit us at www.navy.mil.

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