Security forces provide protection on, off Bagram

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt Jeff Szczechowswki
  • 455th Expeditionary Operations Group Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan (AFPN) --  Besides their more traditional role of providing installation security, security forces Airmen here have taken on two other important combat-related responsibilities supporting the war on terrorism.

Airmen assigned to the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron are providing security for convoys that maneuver over the rugged and potentially hostile Afghanistan landscape outside of the base. Also, a newly created 455th ESFS tactical security element provides cover for Air Force Office of Special Investigations agents in the field. The agents conduct counterintelligence missions and weapons searches, and they apprehend suspected anti-coalition forces.

Security forces Airmen have been running convoys for years, but not in deployed combat zones, said Tech. Sgt. Earl Rogers, 455th ESFS superintendent of convoy operations and tactical security element operations.

“The convoys are initiated to deliver humanitarian assistance to local villages in need,” he said. “Participation is strictly volunteer, and I train all security members prior to their acceptance to this team.”

When escorting a humanitarian assistance convoy, Airmen are the resources being protected, not the mountains of clothes and other goods being delivered to the Afghan citizens.

“Our resources during these missions are the (Airmen) themselves,” Sergeant Rogers said. “The cargo is expendable.”

Like the team that provides convoy security, the tactical security element is also made up of 455th ESFS Airmen, he said.

Airmen on the team are hand-picked, and Sergeant Rogers provides them with specialized training. The team, in turn, conducts additional training with the OSI. The concept of a tactical security is a totally new mission for security forces, Sergeant Rogers said.

He said he is inspired by the younger Airmen who have bravely accepted the risk of “going outside the wire,” to be a part of the convoy security and tactical security operations when it is not required of them.

“The thing that has made me most proud is to see the young Airmen step up and volunteer to conduct these risky missions off base,” he said. “When we go outside the wire, it is no joke. There are people out there who want to kill coalition forces, but these young troops see the need for the missions and are willing to participate.”

One of those volunteers is Senior Airman Derek Wagner, a security response team leader deployed here from Misawa Air Base, Japan. He is a member of both the convoy operations team and the tactical security element. Airman Wagner said he wanted to be a part of both details “to gain some real experience and to make a difference in an area where I could see the results.” He also said he is glad to be here.

“I’m proud to be a part of Operation Enduring Freedom, because I truly believe that the efforts being put forth in Afghanistan will make a difference in the lives of the people here in the long haul,” Airman Wagner said. “I know that later in life I will be able to look back and be proud that I was part of that effort.”

The security forces Airmen assigned here come from McChord Air Force Base, Wash.; Misawa AB; Sheppard AFB, Texas; and Spangdahlem AB, Germany. They have meshed nicely into one cohesive unit, protecting people and equipment critical to OEF, said Master Sgt. Joseph Ramos, 455th ESFS operations superintendent. Besides their off-base missions, he said they ensure a secure environment here so that the aircraft maintainers and fighter pilots can effectively generate combat sorties.

“The troops provide security for resources vital to the worldwide war on terrorism,” he said. “These resources, in turn, support our ground forces on the battlefield. Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines are working together to take the fight to the enemy.

“The troops understand they are performing an important job, fighting the global war on terrorism” Sergeant Ramos said. “They also know the potential for danger is always there. Those two things keep the troops motivated.”

“(I am) very proud to be here conducting the mission that we are involved in,” Sergeant Rogers said. “The best part of this deployment is seeing all the good we are doing. When I can facilitate the delivery of supplies to a local orphanage that has kids sleeping almost on top of each other, in a building that is bullet-ridden from the Taliban occupation, it puts a whole new light on the war on terrorism.”