Mission of security forces constantly evolving

  • Published
  • By Army Spc. Michael R. Noggle
  • 3rd U.S. Army Public Affairs Office
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Through the eyes of Staff Sgt. David Brown, the mission of the security forces has changed since the beginning of the war in Iraq. After all, this is his eighth deployment since Operation Iraqi Freedom started.

As a sign of things to come, Airmen from the 386th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron were kicking down doors while going through military operations in urban terrain, or MOUT, training May 19.

“We’re trying to be more than gate guards,” said Airman 1st Class Kendal Hudson, who is deployed from Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England. “We’re going out and clearing buildings, helping the Army with the convoys, and patrolling cities.”

The security forces unit, based at an installation in Southwest Asia, conducts security patrols on the runways and handles base law enforcement. However, these troops find time to train on other aspects of their profession.

“It's unique training that troops don’t get at their home station,” said Master Sgt. John Ward, training NCO in charge, who is a member of the Idaho Air National Guard.

“We have guys coming from guarding missiles, doing camp security or patrolling,” said Tech Sgt. Kris Green, a squad leader deployed from McGuire Air Force Base, N.J. 

“This training allows guys to get on the same page and get everyone on the same tactics," Sergeant Green said. "We don’t train with the same guy we go to war with and that’s what we’re doing now.”

However, this is nothing new to Sergeant Brown. Serving his eighth deployment of four months or longer, he has seen the transition in the Air Force security forces mission.

“When people think of Air Force, they don’t think of guys on the ground, kicking down doors, searching buildings, doing Army-type work,” said Sergeant Brown, who is deployed from Charleston Air Force Base, S.C. “When people see us doing it, it’s an eye opener.” 

“We’ve adapted," Sergeant Brown said. "On my first few deployments we would see (troops from) other services but never work with them. Lately, we have been working side-by-side with Army, Navy and Marine expeditionary units.”

The MOUT training consists of a four-person team running into buildings with simulated rounds and detaining insurgents. As the teams moved swiftly through rooms with hostages, each member kept his head down and back covered.

“This training keeps them putting their heads up,” Sergeant Brown said. “It hurts when you get hit from a simulation round, so you keep your head down and you won’t get hit.”

“The training seems pretty realistic,” said Airman 1st Class Justin Scott, 386th ESFS, who is deployed from RAF Mildenhall. “I’ve never cleared a building before.”

Finding time in between their daily 14-hour shifts, the next step will be training on the Humvee egress assistance trainer, Sergeant Ward said. The training not only benefits the unit, it’s a sign of things to come for the Air Force security forces in their role in the war on terrorism, Airman Scott said.

“It’s sending a message of support,” he said. “We’re here to support the Army and the Marines, to take the pressure of their shoulders and try to get them sent home to see their families.”