Vipers on the prowl

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Nicole Spence
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Viper Flight -- the group is as tough as the name suggests. Whether it is scoping out threats or chasing down the enemy, this security forces’ flight is the first line of defense protecting the base’s outer perimeter.

The flight's 30 Airmen are a small, handpicked section of the 386th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron and provide 24-hour coverage for about 120 square miles.

“Since the flight is so small, they know (each other's) ins and outs. That’s extremely important -- knowing what your teammate is going to do and how he will react when responding to hostile incidents,” said 1st Lt. Mike Gallucci, Viper Flight commander and off-base patrolmaster. “The camaraderie, cohesion and team unity set them apart and exceed those of any other flight.”

The cohesiveness and unity is not just during duty hours either, Lieutenant Gallucci said. After a long shift, these Airmen can be found at the gym or eating together. It is also common for them to come in on their days off to assist with exercise scenarios and training.

“I love everything about (Viper Flight), especially the companionship,” said Airman 1st Class Brian Corso, of Viper Flight dayshift. "It’s like a brotherhood within the flight. We joke together and work together.

"Being able to read and know the people you work with is vitally important when split second decisions and defending people’s lives are part of your everyday routine," he said. “We see a lot of stuff out here. Often times we are the first responders to major vehicle accidents. It’s hard. You have to be careful and make the right decisions in a short amount of time.”

The group requires training in a variety of skills, including vehicle handling, heavy weapons, map and compass and low crawl.

“Being in the Viper Flight gives you the chance to use everything you were trained for, and uses you to your full capability,” Airman Corso said. “It lets me defend the place I live, which is the most important thing. I know I’ve done my job when everyone can safely sleep and go to work the next day.”

The security forces Airmen work with outside base agencies, local military and the U.S. Army. With a major convoy route running through their patrol area, Viper Airmen often work with Soldiers ensuring the convoys keep moving safely.

The Vipers also work with local residents and need a good Arabic vocabulary to help bridge the host nation communication barrier.

“We have (more than) 100 Bedouin camps in our patrol area. So we spend a lot of time talking with members of the local community as well as camel or sheep herders and hunters,” Lieutenant Gallucci said.

The closeness and dedication of this small flight form this base’s solid off-base defense.

“We started out as a motivated team three months ago, and at the halfway point in our deployment we have molded into a family,” Lieutenant Gallucci said.