Airmen patrol enemy’s side of wire

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Russell Wicke
  • 455th Expeditionary Operations Group Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan (AFPN) --  In a hot and dusty Afghani valley, there is land scarred with land mines and tied down with concertina wire fences separating American heroes from terrorists.

The environment alone is hostile, featuring sweltering summers and bone-chilling winters. The habitat is a haven for venomous creatures and thorny vegetation. All this is merely a supplement to the real enemy who lurks outside the base perimeter.

Bagram Air Base, once a den of terrorist groups like the Taliban, is now a base of operations for U.S. and coalition forces. Among the hustle of daily operations to kill and capture terrorist forces here, one unit lies silent behind the scenes, ensuring security for base operations.

While the Air Force security forces are often taken for granted, their absence could be deadly for many supporting the war effort here, said Master Sgt. Steven Lundy, 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron operations superintendent.

“We provide a secure environment for our jets on the flightline and people within the Air Force compound by keeping our eyes (open) and our weapons up,” Lundy said. “We also work with the Army to help provide a layer of protection on the outer perimeter of the base.”

Tech. Sgt. Eddie Blackmon, a 455th ESFS flight chief, said their whole job here is security, unlike their primary job of law enforcement back at home stations.

“The Army is responsible for all the law enforcement here because this is mainly an Army installation,” Blackmon said.

Since air operations began in November 2001, the two services have worked together well.

“My experience working with the Army here is extremely positive,” said Staff Sgt. Alan Clontz, 455th ESFS security response team leader. “They are interested in working with the Air Force security forces as a team instead of (as) two autonomous units. If nothing else, I’d like the opportunity to train more with the Army.”

Although some airmen said training with soldiers would be ideal, they are settling for the next best thing: Fighting alongside them. That includes doing random daily patrols outside the wire, according to Senior Airman Jodi Brown, a 455th ESFS M-60 machine gun operator.

“We assist the Army by providing an extra set of eyes on what goes on right off base,” she said. “Many times you don’t know if the alleged goat herder right outside the wire isn’t really gathering intelligence on us.”

Watching the suspicious activity on the edge of the base is more hazardous than it may sound.

“There are land mines everywhere from past wars,” said Staff Sgt. Victor Guzman, 455th ESFS trainer. “When you’re out doing a perimeter check in an armored Humvee, the small, thick windows restrict your vision. So when it’s dark outside and you have night-vision goggles on, your field of vision is reduced that much more. If you veer off the road just a little bit, it’s likely you’ll find a mine.”

Yet deadly threats are not limited to the base perimeter. Rocket attacks are a common threat to those on the inside, Guzman said.

“When there’s a rocket attack, most everybody else is running for a bunker, but it is our job to go out and meet the threat,” he said.

Because combat environments like this leave little room for error, Guzman said he believes strong noncommissioned officer leadership among security forces is crucial.

“When we come down hard on our people, it is for their own good,” he said. “There are a lot of airmen here who can’t stand me, but they know how to operate their weapons, and they know their drills. (These) will save their life.”

Even with the hard discipline and hazardous environment, the security forces said they are proud to be here keeping other airmen safe.

“We’re taking the fight to the enemy,” Clontz said. “I didn’t join the Air Force to go to college … I joined because I love America. I want to be a part of removing anyone who threatens our freedom.”

The reason for military presence is no secret among those serving here.

“We’re defending the United States from attacks like what happened Sept. 11,” Brown said. “We’re literally pushing these guys back into their caves. That’s worth being (here) … .”

Other security forces airmen are here for a little more than just homeland security.

“I’m not rich or famous, but I know my job is important to the (locals) here,” said Senior Airman Malik Abduk-Rahmaan, 455th ESFS surveillance thermal imagery specialist. “It makes me feel good to know my sacrifice results in their peace.”

Nonetheless, their sacrifice only sharpens their fortitude. Lundy said the terrorist threat only motivates him more to be out here making a difference and making history.

“We risk our lives working extended hours in a combat zone away from family,” said Lundy. “The threat is very high. That is part of what makes it my honor.”

Security forces said they are willing to protect and defend, and the Air Force is enabling them to do it, according to officials.

“When our boots hit the dirt, we had the newest equipment in our hands like the M-4 rifle and (a new-design) helmet,” Lundy said. “Little things like that make the job easier.”