Teamwork provides best security while deployed

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Kelley Jeter
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  The Airmen who came together in March to form the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron at a forward-deployed location have learned to work hand-in-hand with the host-nation security.

“We share a common goal with our hosts in the protection of (people) and resources on the base,” said Maj. Richard DeMouy, 380th ESFS commander.

Recently, host-nation security forces began integrating more of their operations into the Air Force’s routine and are now running patrols and perimeter checks with 380th Airmen.

As a security forces Airman who commonly works at a joint-operations post, Tech. Sgt. Brian Moeller, deployed from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., said the local forces often come by and take the 380th Airmen with them on their patrols of the perimeter.

“We look at the fence line, searching for damage to the fence or other evidence of a (covert) entry, such as footprints, abandoned vehicles or simply people who don’t belong,” Sergeant Moeller said.

They also respond together to vehicle accidents on part of the base outside the American compound, if an American is involved.

“We’re extremely fortunate to have such a close working relationship with our hosts,” said Col. James Jones, 380th Air Expeditionary Wing commander. “Joint security patrols will help us continue to strengthen those ties by providing a forum where we can leverage the combined strengths of the security forces personnel as we work toward a common goal -- providing the most secure operating environment possible for all those who work and reside on the base.”

Besides patrols, they respond together to some incidents at the vehicle search area. When a military working dog alerts on an incoming vehicle and a cordon needs to be established, the host forces help secure the entry control points.

“They work alongside our forces, helping to turn back traffic along the cordon,” said Tech. Sgt. Richard Melchione, noncommissioned officer in charge of the vehicle search area. “We especially appreciate them being there when we encounter drivers who don’t speak English.”

The host forces have also been working independently at stepping up the security around American assets and people. They recently announced more frequent random checks of people to ensure they are authorized to be in certain areas of the base.

“This is just one of many examples of the tremendous partnership we have developed with our host nation,” Colonel Jones said.

As 380th ESFS Airmen wind down their six months and pack up to go home, they said they appreciate the opportunity they have had to interact with their hosts in a working environment. The security forces career field is routinely tasked for six-month deployments as opposed to the standard air and space expeditionary force rotation of three to four months.