Anti-terrorism office helps Balad Airmen stay safe

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Travis Edwards
  • 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq (AFPN) --  With terrorists and extremists trying their hardest to shake the drive and fortitude of deployed Airmen, this two-man shop, by thinking like an adversary, turns a possible terrorist success story, into another notch in the belt of prevention.

Such is the duty and responsibility of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing anti-terrorism and force protection office here.

Both Capt. Andy Resch and Master Sgt. Demond Scarborough have their deployment cut out for them, ensuring all Airmen are informed and educated of the risks and potential threats of being in a hostile location.

"It's easy to get complacent," said Captain Resch, 332nd AEW officer in charge of anti-terrorism. "Unless your job takes you outside the wire, all you come across in most cases is a call over the speakers saying, 'All clear.' So the perceived realization is, 'nothing can happen to me,' or 'I'm in a hardened building all day, what do I have to worry about?'"

But the sergeant said it's that delusion that may get someone hurt, or even killed.

"The protective measures in place are implemented to keep everyone safe," said Sergeant Scarborough, non-commissioned officer in charge of the anti-terrorism and force protection office. He explained that although some security weak-points are less obvious and hard to foresee, it's their job to seek, find and then correct them before our adversaries can.

The anti-terrorism and force protection office can be broken down into two phases of defense, said Captain Resch. First is the proactive phase, which includes continuous training and preventative measures. Second is the reactive phase, which involves the base reaction to any and all hostile incidents.

"The threat is real," Sergeant Scarborough said. "We have to be on our guard at all times. Just because we have a lull in attacks doesn't mean the enemy isn't planning their next assault ... we need to be ready -- always."

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