Airmen performing non-traditional security

  • Published
  • By Capt. Michael G. Johnson
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
CAMP BUCCA, Iraq (AFPN) --  The camp has the look and feel of many Army bases with one exception, the majority of the force protection presence is Airmen -- including the two security forces squadron commanders. 

Traditionally an Army function, here, Airmen are providing perimeter defense, convoy and area security and security for the Theater Internment Facility. 

“The mission of the 586th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron is to conduct base defense and force protection operations in support of the TIF,” said Lt. Col. David Briar, 586th ESFS commander. “I’m continually impressed by the resilience and the dedication and professionalism of the Airmen and Soldiers assigned to this squadron, especially in the wake of the Sept. 28 attack that claimed the lives of one Airman and one Soldier.” 

Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Jacobson and Army Sgt. Steve Morin were killed when an improvised explosive device detonated, overturning their vehicle. 

“In the wake of that tragic loss, I asked the squadron to step up," Colonel Briar said. "Yes, this is a time of mourning, but we need to press on. We need to have faith that we’re going to get through this. We’re going to be able to move on and they’ve done that. They’ve done that extremely well.”  

Within two weeks of the incident, the 586th provided convoy escorts for election officials, escorting them to Camp Bucca so detainees could vote during Iraq’s constitution referendum. 

“That mission was successfully completed with a high level of motivation and perfect execution,” the colonel said. “That kind of professionalism impresses and inspires me." 

Maj. David Lynch, commander of the 587th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, is just as proud of his Airmen who serve as TIF guards for detainee operations. 

“They’re just great troops -- truly motivated professionals. They recognize the importance of what they’re doing and they’re making history,” Major Lynch said. 

“This is a very unique mission. Normally we guard aircraft and airfields. Now we’re staring at people who could be responsible for killing Americans,” said Tech. Sgt. Jeff Tynan, 587th security forces member. “(Regardless) we treat them with dignity and respect, but are always mindful of who they are.” 

Many of the Airmen here volunteered, and they’re not complaining. 

“I volunteered to come over. I felt it was needed, somebody has to do it and it might as well be us,” said Senior Airman Steven Lewis, a 586th security forces member. 

Airman 1st Class Bryan Testaverde, second cousin to Jets quarterback, Vinny Testaverde, shares that sentiment. 

“So far it’s not too bad. We can do several different types of jobs. I’ve been waiting for this chance since I joined the military,” Airman Testaverde said. 

Airmen working jointly at an Army base also means adjusting to new ways of doing business and learning the language. 

“The guys are all learning to speak Army. They don’t really see a difference between a Soldier and an Airman. We are one team, one fight,” Major Lynch said. 

“We’ve learned a lot from these guys [Army]. We learn from them and, hopefully, we teach them something,” said Tech. Sgt. Robert D. Rose, a security forces member with the 586th ESFS. 

“I think it helps the Airmen and Soldiers achieve a better understanding of each other and understand more of what each service brings to the fight in terms of joint warfighting. There are some things that they do really well, and there are some things the Air Force does really well and, we can learn from each other. So I think that’s one of the best benefits of working so closely together,” Colonel Briar said. 

The biggest challenge these Airmen face is avoiding complacency said Maj. Lynch. 

“The leadership challenge is to avoid the risk of complacency caused by doing the same thing everyday. We want each day to be quiet, but sometimes nothing happening can lead to complacency,” he said. “The NCOs are key to preventing complacency by maintaining the standards and discipline that are critical to this mission. They are meeting their responsibility with the professionalism and enthusiasm we expect from security forces NCOs.” 

“Everybody on the team is really tight,” Sergeant Rose said during an early morning route sweep. “When we’re out here it’s all about business.”