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Deployed security forces protect base 24/7/365

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Scott Sturkol
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, Airmen in the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron are charged with security and force protection of more than 1,900 deployed personnel and billions of dollars worth of deployed assets, equipment and aircraft at a non-disclosed base here.

"This is why I joined the Air Force," said Staff Sgt. Matthew James, deployed from the 81st Security Forces at Keesler, who serves as a patrolman and a patrol area supervisor with the 380th ESFS. "When you serve in the military, you know you can be deployed at any time and I'm more than proud to serve while deployed here in Southwest Asia.

"I see planes flying off every day for their missions -- that's a sign to me that I've been doing my job keeping them safe and secure," he added.

Every day Master Sgt. Lisa Phillips reports to the 380th ESFS for a 12-hour shift, but some days it easily turns into a 14- to 15-hour shift. No matter how long it takes, the leader of the security forces "Alpha" flight said she and her Airmen are always ready.

"We protect and defend every individual and every Air Force asset serving at this location, and in doing that, the mission we are here for will be accomplished every day," said Sergeant Phillips, who is also deployed from Keesler.

As flight chief for the "Alpha" flight, Sergeant Phillips said she implements plans, programs and policies set forth by leadership.

"In my job, I have to develop element training programs that ensure proficiency with directives and enforce military and host nation customs and courtesies while at the same time maintaining military order and discipline for 80-plus Airmen," said Phillips. "It's a job that keeps me busy every day."

Phillips helps assign security forces Airmen to their assigned posts and duties every day. It includes assigning patrols, checkpoint duties, security response team roles and a myriad of other requirements. Among the Airmen filling those requirements includes security forces like Staff Sgt. Justin Canada frin Pope AFB, N.C., who serves on a mobile fire team unit that works directly with host nation security personnel.

"We conduct joint patrols with host nation security forces," said Sergeant Canada. "We patrol areas on the outer perimeter of base to make sure there aren't any deficiencies, things out of place or holes in the wire. We also try to learn about our host nation's cultures and try to win the hearts and minds of our fellow comrades."

For deployed security forces Airmen, a typical day at work includes wearing the latest in "battle rattle." This can include the latest in protective armor and combat-ready gear. They'll carry a loaded M-4 rifle and possibly an M-9 pistol.

To be a "defender," it takes a high volume of training and the knowledge in weaponry, laws, directives and programs, policies, and procedures governing security forces activities. That knowledge further breaks down into being fluent on installation security, anti-terrorism, law enforcement and investigations and air base defense.

"My job not only requires maintaining security of our deployed aircraft, it also requires myself and my fellow security forces to monitor restricted areas and secure the perimeter of the base," said Senior Airman Nolan Spiers from Eglin AFB, Fla.
Staff Sgt. Genevie Navarro from Edwards AFB, Calif., takes her deployed duties very seriously.

"I work in the base's vehicle search area," she said. "I thoroughly search vehicles entering U.S. controlled areas from unsecure locations and prevent the introduction of illegal weapons, contraband and explosive devices. I also ensure the prevention of removal of classified material."

Another defender from Eglin, Senior Airman Jacqueline Lawson, said the important thing is that all security forces remain "vigilant."

"While keeping watch, we must stay vigilant at all times," said Airman Lawson. "While on police and security patrols, we maintain a three- to five-minute armed response time to all incidents within our area of responsibility. While staying vigilant, we monitor all avenues of approached into our specified areas."

The Airmen who make up the 380th ESFS do say they are proud to be deployed serving their country's calling to support operations overseas.

"Ever since I joined the military, I wanted to make a difference in this world," said Airman 1st Class Johnny Hinojosa from Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. Being deployed and being a part of an expeditionary operation is my opportunity to make that happen."

Airman 1st Class Joshua Willis, also deployed from Elmendorf, added, "I'm proud to be serving my country whether it's at home or overseas. I know that when I look back on my service, I will value the time I spent in the Air Force and know that my family and friends will be proud of me and my accomplishments."
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