Vehicle searches provide first line of defense

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Stanley L. Coleman
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  During the early morning hours in Southwest Asia, the vehicle search team of the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron doesn’t get out of bed.

They’re already at work. 

They’re up and about in the vehicle search area, or VSA, ensuring vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices and other prohibited items don’t make it onto their air base. 

That layer of protection is not present only in the mornings. It is continued 24/7 in support of the war on terrorism. 

“We’re the first line of defense,” said Senior Airman Don San Juan. “We ensure the vehicles of contractors, transport companies and Airmen returning to the base don’t place others in jeopardy with the transport of explosive devices. 

“We are exposed to that threat, but we are the ones who ensure that our fellow Airmen are not placed in harm’s way from an explosion,” he said.

“The VSA staff is smaller in size than the other security forces sections,” said Master Sgt. Daniel Waskiewicz, VSA supervisor. “This allows a very close-knit working environment which fosters teamwork, cohesiveness and camaraderie.” 

From the morning rush of vehicles transporting third country nationals, contractors and civilian workers, to the trickling in of Airmen returning to the base, VSA teams are vigilant and thorough in the performance of their duties. 

The searching of vehicles includes inspection of compartments within the passenger area and from the search pit underneath the vehicles. Mirrors are also used to detect any hidden areas. 

Vehicle inspection duties are carried out with the help of military working dogs, trained to sniff out explosives. 

“Dak and I are partners when it comes to the job of detecting explosives,” said Staff Sgt. Kristen Romani, a military working dog handler. “It’s like working with your best friend.” 

Dak and Sergeant Romani have been partners for three years. 

“All Airmen should maintain their situational awareness when they are traveling off-base,” said Staff Sgt. Michael Elser, VSA team leader. “Passengers along with the driver must be aware of their surroundings, even when they are present in what seems to be a non-hostile area.” 

According to the 380th ESFS security professionals, people who travel off-base are not able to vouch for their vehicle’s security unless they are with their vehicles at all times. 

“Our team consists of various experience levels and training, when it comes to the business of ensuring the non transport of explosives and prohibited items on base,” said Sergeant Elser. “Our security forces training in VSA procedures has been conducted by Army Rangers as well as Air Force security forces personnel.” 

The working conditions range from warm nights to very hot and humid days. “Thank God for fans” is the resounding opinion of the team members working in the heat. Weather conditions call for the constant intake of water. 

“We understand the individuals we process may have a meeting or be anxious to get on base at times," said Airman 1st Class Justin Hopkins. “Security is paramount and we can’t just let someone go because they are in a hurry. We can’t afford to be in violation of our security forces general orders.” 

The VSA is necessary to ensure the safety of the base populace, said Staff Sgt. Terry Gilbert, another dog handler.

“Even though our environment may appear to be friendly, there is still a war going on and there are people out there who would like to harm us," he said. "We just can’t let that happen.”