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'See first, understand first, act first': New base security zone mirrors deployed sites

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tanya Holditch
  • Keesler News Editor
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MISS. --  The 81st Security Forces Squadron is implementing an integrated defense concept called a base security zone to secure Keesler, which is similar to methods used in bases in Southwest Asia. 

"Ever since Sept. 11, there's no place within the continental U.S. that shouldn't be thinking this way," said Maj. Joseph Musacchia, 81st SFS commander. "That manner in which we secure our base should be no different in the U.S. than the manner we use in any of our bases in Iraq." 

Although there will be several differences in base defense between Iraq and Keesler due to restrictions, there will be a common denominator of procedures that will apply to both, according to Major Musacchia. 

"I am extremely proud of the way the 81st SFS is moving," he added. 

The idea is to identify a tactical area of operation around the perimeter of the base which lies outside the installation in which 81st SFS doesn't have jurisdiction. 

The BSZ size is determined by what resources and assets the base possesses, but also what potential threats exist. That area is then monitored by both 81st SFS members and area law enforcement agencies such as Biloxi and D'Iberville Police Departments, Missis-sippi Department of Marine Resources and the Coast Guard. 

"The key theme of the BSZ is to see first, understand first and act first," said Major Musacchia. "The only way we can accomplish that is through close coordination and cooperation with various law enforcement agencies who do control these areas. This also strengthens our ties with the local community." 

One of the steps moving toward the BSZ was by creating the Falcon Flight, a unit patrolling on bikes, all-terrain vehicles and boats. 

"The Falcons have to rely on cooperation with the City of Biloxi law enforcement because the off-base housing units, which are still under our jurisdiction, but are geographically separated from the base," Major Musacchia explained. 

The Falcon Flight security forces members are also responsible for internal security and patrolling areas of the Back Bay of Biloxi as well. They can issue tickets and pull people over, just like security forces members in airman battle uniforms or Department of Defense officers. 

Cyclops units, which are primarily responsible for monitoring outside the base's perimeter, have also been created. If suspicious activities are observed, area law enforcement agencies are notified. They work together with 81st SFS members to alleviate the threat. 

"We are all interconnected and work together on a regular basis," Major Musacchia pointed out. "Even our military working dogs train together." 

Area law enforcement agencies are also notified if the force protection level changes at Keesler. This allows them to adjust their security posture accordingly. 

"Law enforcement is only one of our missions -- it is our public face," explained Major Musacchia. "The BSZ is another one of those elements that helps us achieve our mission. We have to be able to go from peace to war at any given time."
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