Senior Airman Mark Joco watches the perimeter at an entry control point Oct. 27, 2009, at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. Airman Joco is a security forces gunner with the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron deployed from Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. He is a native of Yokosuka, Japan. (U.S. Army photo/Spc. William E. Henry)
Airman Aaron Calzada watches a group of locals near the perimeter at an entry control point Oct. 29, 2009, at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. Airman Calzada is assigned to the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron deployed from Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. He is a native of Lancaster, Calif. (U.S. Army photo/Spc. William E. Henry)
by Army Spc. William E. Henry
Combined Joint Task Force-82 Public Affairs
11/16/2009 - BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (AFNS) -- U.S. military and coalition servicemembers who enforce security on Bagram Airfield work closely to accomplish a singular mission to ensure a safe and secure environment.
Members of the Air Force's 455th Air Expeditionary Wing coordinate with Task Force Cyclone, Afghan national security guards and Task Force Gladius, Company B, Special Troops Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division members to secure the perimeter of Bagram Airfield and the surrounding areas.
Since coming here, Task Force Cyclone and force protection security workers have helped improve the efficiency of the operations around the airfield, said Army Lt. Col. David Ellis, the Task Force Cyclone Force Protection officer in charge. He is from the 38th Infantry Division based in Indianapolis.
According to Colonel Ellis and others with the 455th AEW, the Air Force security team had taken control of the security operation in May of this year.
"The way the force protection cells now operate, they are able to process 250 percent more people and vehicles in a day's time than what they could a year ago," said Colonel Ellis, a resident of Martinsville, Ind.
According to both Colonel Ellis and Master Sgt. Thad Cooper, deployed from Andrews Air Force Base, Md., and the NCO in charge of one of the sectors of entry, there are approximately 5,000 people and 600 vehicles that are processed onto the facility daily.
Everything that goes in and out of Bagram Airfield is regulated through entry control points located throughout the perimeter of the base and is guarded by armed Afghan security guards and Airmen of the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron.
Sergeant Cooper, a resident of Waldorf, Md., said the job he and his Airmen do is crucial to safely provide Bagram Airfield with many things that are needed to sustain forces based here.
"Everything we process here that goes in and out of the base supports everybody. To me that makes what we do worthwhile," Sergeant Cooper said. "I like doing what I do, it's very enjoyable. The work we do is hard, but it's worth it."
Each entry control point has many stages of complex procedures. The force protection team uses advanced equipment to inspect individuals and vehicles to the upmost standard available and do it with timeliness and precision. The team also employs a K-9 unit to help detect any residue or materials that may be hazardous in sections of the checkpoint processes.
The security forces work cohesively with other coalition forces regardless of what service branch they are a part of said Staff Sgt. Taylor Jordan, a 455th ESFS member deployed from Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. Sergeant Jordan is a native of Atlantic, Iowa.
"It doesn't matter what type of uniform we might be wearing, we are all in the same fight," Sergeant Jordan said.
"We work pretty closely with Afghan security, and a lot of them have been here for years. They help in any way possible with the locals," said Senior Airman Mark Joco, a 455th ESFS member deployed from Nellis AFB, Nev. He is a native of Yokosuka, Japan.
Airman Joco said he takes his work seriously and understands the responsibility he has.
"We're the final line of defense, the final denial for those who shouldn't be on this base," said Airman Joco, while manning his .50-caliber machine gun.
