Airmen outside the wire

  • Published
  • By Capt. Michael G. Johnson
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
CAMP BUCCA, Iraq --  Air Force security forces are usually associated with base defense, but with the increased needs of the Army, deployed Airmen here are finding themselves outside the wire performing area security and winning hearts and minds. 

Security Forces Airmen from 17 bases, ranking from airman to lieutenant colonel, are providing area security, traditionally an Army mission.

“(We) search for insurgent threats and clear improvised explosive devices from the road,” said 2nd Lt. Anthony Waits, area security operations officer in charge for the 586th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. “We also do a lot of community work to build a rapport with the people.” 

“If they know us, they’re more likely to help us. If they know we’re here to help and not here to hurt them, they will be more likely to help us," the lieutenant said. 

Senior Airman Kenneth Graham, a truck commander with the 586th ESFS, understands the importance of winning the hearts and minds. 

“A lot of them don’t trust us when we first meet them. Slowly but surely we gain their trust,” he said. “I never thought I’d be doing this. You get to actually see some people. It’s a little more dangerous but it’s worth it. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” 

On any given day, the Airmen travel the area meeting with children, Iraqi police and local citizens. Their goal is to talk with them, listen to what they have to say and reassure them. 

“It’s a good experience. We get to interact with the locals, be part of different missions and help the children,” said Airman Karla Halstead, a driver with the 586th ESFS. “We bring them food and water and show them we’re here to help them.” 

Airman Halstead has been in the Air Force 16 months and already knows how her job contributes to the mission. 

“I think it contributes a great deal because we actually go out and build a relationship with the locals and gather information about any possible threats,” said the Airman. 

More than 750 Airmen are deployed here providing base and area security and security for the theater internment facility.