AFSFA Travis Bay Area Chapter 60SFS Monthly Defender Award
By Jim Downey, Travis Bay Area Chapter Chairman

Photos from left to right: Capt Matthew McGinnis, SSgt Bobby Alexander, SMSgt Jeffrey Wheeler, Ron Armenta (TBAC), Lt Col Joseph Quinn (Commander) and CMSgt Joseph Ilsley; and Defender Award.

Travis Bay Area Chapter Sponsors Monthly Defender Award

60th Security Forces Squadron with the support AFSFA Travis Bay Area Chapter has begun presenting a monthly Defender Award. AFSFA-TBAC members agreed to fund the project and 60SFS leadership established the award criteria. The Award is open to both military and civilian members of 60SFS.

TBAC member Ron Armenta and Chapter 2nd Vice Chair owns TCGEP Designs. Ron worked with 60SFS on the design featuring the AFSFA logo as the background on a 7” round piece of slate with edges relieved. The award showcases a red sheepdog on white background in the center with the award winner’s name across the middle. The award is presented at Commanders Call and provided a tabletop holder for presentation.

The first Defender Award presentation was made to SSgt Bobby Alexander. While Defenders are presented awards, decorations and medals throughout their career, squadron awards are significant reminders of outstanding contributions and duty performance recognized by peers and leaders of their unit.

Award submission criteria for 60SFS Defender’s Award: 1) Action photo of Airman or Civilian at work along with their rank, name, unit, office symbol, and hometown. 2) a write-up of 3-6 lines (bullets) about why the Airman, NCO, or Civilian deserves recognition. 3) Accomplishments are to be work-related only, no off-duty volunteer activities. 4) Include numbers and data points that make the nominee stand out from his/her peers.

Nominations are submitted by a supervisor to the individuals Flight Chief or Section Chief, who then submits it to the First Sergeant. The First Sergeant collects all nominations for each month and distributes them to the Section Superintendents for scoring. The top score is the Defender of the Month.

701 MUNSS/Custody Unit ... is standing out!!

701 MUNSS/Custody Unit conducted a Police Week ruck march in 2016 and a reenlistment at the Bastogne War Memorial. The 701 MUNSS/Custody Forces was awarded the 2016 USAFE SF (GSU) Geographically Separated Unit of the Year award!

We love your AFSFA Security Forces Magazine over here. Keep it up!

PHILLIP B. FERRIS, Maj, USAF
Chief, Security Forces
701st Munitions Support Squadron
Kleine Brogel Air Base, Belgium

Well done Defenders ... keep up the good fight.
AFSFA

Air Force May Soon Offer Service-Wide Mobile Alert System

Military.com, Feb 07, 2017, by Oriana Pawlyk

A team of 96th Security Forces Squadron Airmen prepare to enter a building during a shoot, move and communicate drill in June at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

The U.S. Air Force may soon roll out a service-wide mobile alert system to notify airmen and employees of active shooters or other emergencies on base, a general said.

The service is pushing to set up the technology this year, possibly even within the next few months, according to Lt. Gen. John Cooper, Air Force deputy chief of staff for logistics, engineering and force protection at the Pentagon.

"We challenged ourselves: can we get an amber alert-type [system] on cell phones?" Cooper said during a recent Air Force Association breakfast near Washington D.C. "Before the end of this year -- I think in the next three months, but I'll say before the end of the year -- the whole Air Force will be set up regionally."

The Air Force, as well as the other branches,

have stepped up the use of social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter to get the word out to base personnel and families on emergencies and quickly developing situations.

But the direct messaging systems will be created to alert airmen -- and any local command posts in the same region, Cooper said. For example, in the National Capital Region, or NCR -- the area in and around Washington, D.C. -- military bases have already established a unified system, he said.

"In the NCR, the Navy had a program, the Army had a program, Air Force had a program and the Marines had a program. [But] if something happened on Bolling Air Force Base, [in Maryland] I could be driving to the B-X from my house and all the sailors would be jumping in a ditch, and I'd be jumping right into the fire," Cooper said. "We got that all fixed, so any command post in the National Capital Region…pushes a button and every military gets notified immediately."

The general also said the system shouldn't be monopolized by a major command, citing Hill Air Force Base, Utah, a base with two different active-duty commands -- Air Force Material Command and Air Combat Command -- as well as an Air Force Reserve Command unit.

"They're [all] the same Air Force," he said. "One person should push a button and everyone should get notified."

The Air Force immediately began increasing its protection services at various bases, implementing lower-end, but critical enhancements such as preventative fences and bullet resistant film for glass in the wake of the deadly 2015 shootings in Chattanooga, Tennessee, which killed four Marines and a sailor at a recruiting station and reserve center, Cooper told Air Force Times in July.

In 2016, the service implemented three more programs -- Unit Marshal, Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act, and Security Forces Staff Arming -- that allowed more airmen to carry firearms in the workplace.

"We basically set up a concept so an airman can arm themselves with their personal weapon until they get to the office, the worksite -- and from there at the worksite, at the base, the government will make it more secure," Cooper said Friday.

The security forces program enables more security forces members -- who have the appropriate Air Force specialty code and who work in staff billets at the squadron, group, wing or major command -- to carry a government-issued weapon while on duty with the approval of the installation commander, according to a release.

Unit Marshal, the newest program, gives commanders permission, with the installation commander's approval, to work with security forces to train more airmen and allow them to open carry an M9 pistol in their duty location, the release said. UMP is meant to act as "a blocking force," Cooper said. "Somebody comes into an office that's going to do something stupid a blue could shoot back and basically block until the [remaining law enforcements] get there," Cooper said.

Lastly, with the Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act or LEOSA, "Congress gave us legislation ... which allowed credentialed defenders to carry concealed weapons on base, and the Air Force used it; we actually paid for our airmen to get the credential but we didn't enforce it, [but] we kicked that in after Chattanooga," Cooper said.

The legislation applies to present security forces members as well as separated or retired members as long as they meet appropriate criteria cleared by the service. The 2004 federal act was extended to apply to military personnel in 2013.

The Air Force's programs already go hand-in-hand with policies stated in a Nov. 18 Defense Department directive approved by Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert Work that allow Defense Department personnel to carry firearms and employ deadly force while performing official duties.

"When you say high-consequence, I think our airmen," Cooper said. "Chattanooga. We just say Chattanooga and everybody on my staff understands that."

-- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214.

Who May Apply: This announcement is open to all qualified U.S. Citizens

Position:  Special Agent

Series & Grade:  GS-1811-10

Promotional Potential:  GS-13                                                           

Duty Location:  Nationwide

Duration: Full Time / Permanent

Starting salary: GS- $62,556.00 - $80,721.00 / Per Year

The starting salary listed above applies to New Agent Trainees while attending the training academy. Upon graduation, your salary will be adjusted according to field office assignment locality pay and Law Enforcement Officers’ availability pay.

A CAREER LIKE NO OTHER

The FBI seeks responsible, motivated, self-starters to work in a high pressure and demanding team environment. Special Agent applicants must be able to work independently, adapt to changing and sometimes dangerous situations and make logical, well-reasoned decisions based on all available facts. Applicants should have superior interpersonal abilities and be able to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, in an organized and articulate manner.

Join an elite team that serves a critical mission by keeping our communities and our nation safe. Special Agents are responsible for enforcing over 300 federal statutes and conducting sensitive national security investigations. The FBI hires for a diverse range of skills and experiences. As a Special Agent, you may be asked to use your CPA skills to uncover hidden assets, your language skills to interview a witness who speaks only a foreign language, or your IT skills to locate evidence concealed deep within a computer network. Whether it is identifying and recruiting human sources whose information may ultimately avert a terrorist act or gathering intelligence on a foreign enemy determined to do us harm, the FBI provides the opportunity for leaders in every community to give back. For further information, or to submit an application, please visit: www.FBIjobs.gov/career-paths/special-agents.

CONTINUING YOUR LAW ENFORCEMENT CAREER WITH YAVAPAI COUNTY (AZ) SHERIFF’S OFFICE

AFSFA members with a 5 skill level and above may apply directly for the position of Deputy Sheriff. Your skill levels in your AFSC will allow you to bypass the 1-year assignment as a Detention Officer.

Your starting pay during the first year of training (Academy & Field Training) will start at $43,235 p/a. After completion of the training program your salary increases to $47,559 with a take home patrol car.

Primary benefits include; medical, dental, eye and life insurance, tuition reimbursement, ten paid holidays along with uniform allowance. You also earn 24 college credits attending the Academy.

Your direct contact is: Officer Michael Bell (former Air Force)  michael.bell@yavapai.us

• Telephone Direct (928) 777-7226
• General recruitment telephone (928) 554-8611
• Reference: www.ycsoaz.us Facebook/Yavapai county sheriffYavapai

County Sheriff’s OfficePrescott, AZ 86301
(928) 771-3260
255 East Gurley Street

U.S FOREST SERVICE LAW ENFORCEMENT and INVESTIGATIONS SEEKS PROGRAM SUPPORT PERSONNEL

The U.S. Forest Service is pleased to announce that Law Enforcement and Investigations is now seeking Program Support Assistants (GS-0303-07) in the following locations:

* Goleta, CA (R5)      * Redding, CA (R5)      * Susanville, CA (R5)      * Vallejo, CA (R5)     * Boise, ID (R4)      * Sparks, NV (R4)      * Kalispell, MT (R1)      * Sandy, OR (R6)      * South Jordan, UT (R6)      * Vancouver, WA (R6)      * Laramie, WY (R2)

The vacancy announcement opens on Friday, February 24, 2017 and is scheduled to close on Thursday, March 9, 2017.

Major Duties Include but are not limited to: Responsible for the day-to-day administrative work for the Forest Service LE&I unit. The employee assists with technical and administrative work related to record keeping, filing, unit planning, monitoring, resource studies, purchasing, minor budget tasks, travel, human resources, property management, facility liaison, and other related tasks.

The position disseminates administrative information to unit employees and serves as a liaison for administrative support that is provided by other units (e.g., national or regional offices). Maintains awareness of and communicates applicable laws, regulations, directives, and policies to unit personnel for administrative work relating to acquisitions, payroll, human resources, agreements, travel, facilities, safety, security, and other related issues.

Develops, recommends, and implements administrative policies, plans, and procedures to provide effective solutions. Reviews and keeps informed about Federal and Agency-wide directives and procedures, their changes, and new requirements affecting the work of the organization.

Work includes preparing and distributing correspondence, reports, and forms; hard-copy and electronic record keeping; mail distribution and collection; travel arrangement and updating; and safety and security related tasks.

Provides a broad scope of program support for the LE&I region assigned; including participating in planning support work. Serves as the primary administrative business process point of contact for the unit. Responsible for the administrative oversight of various business processes, which may include maintaining tracking logs, action items, managing administrative suspense items and transaction records.

Identifies and recommends ways of combining, simplifying or improving program support processes. Screens calls and visitors, answering most questions on established policy or routine matters. Maintains control records and follow-up measures on incoming correspondence and action documents to ensure prompt handling. Independently prepares responses to inquiries on routine matters.

Performs duties of limited scope and complexity in all aspects of budget activities. Assembles and evaluates data and information from a variety of sources to update the unit's budget. Examples of work are analyzing and developing details of portions of the unit's budget, or auditing special use permits.

For more information, requirements and/or to apply for the vacancies, please use the following link to USAJOBS: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/464764700

Schriever Defender Earns Award for Leadership
By Airman 1st Class William Tracy, 50th Space Wing Public Affairs, March 02, 2017

Capt. Adam Palmer, 50th Security Forces Squadron, was recently awarded the Air Force Security Forces Association Company Grade Officer of the Year award for the Front Range for his exceptional work as an operations officer. Tasks accomplished under his leadership included leading teams for the president’s Air Force Academy visit and organizing drivers for Olympic Committee athletes. (U.S. Air Force graphic/Airman 1st Class William Tracy)

SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo.-- --
For Capt. Adam Palmer, earning the Air Force Security Forces Association (AFSFA) Company Grade Officer of the Year award for the Front Range is a reflection of his merits, those of his mentors and the Airmen he leads.

“Winning this award is a true testament to the outstanding Airmen I’ve had the pleasure of leading, as well as the incredible leadership and mentors who have invested countless hours into developing me as a young officer,” said Palmer. “I couldn’t be more grateful.”

The AFSFA CGO award is given to exceptional officers whose performance was worthy of recognition among SF personnel throughout the Front Range. Palmer received the award for his leadership at the 50th Security Forces Squadron as an operations officer.

“Palmer has expertly acted on behalf of commanders during their absence and led the unit for a number of weeks,” said Lt. Col. Michael Speck, 50 SFS commander. “As an operations officer, he leads the bulk of the unit Airmen and does so with extreme confidence.”

Palmer was prior enlisted for five years before commissioning as an officer, joining the Air Force in 2007. His interest in law enforcement and helping people led him to Security Forces. His enlisted service developed his passion for leadership and he decided to commission.

“When I commissioned in 2012, I knew I wanted to remain in the career field because of the opportunities it provides junior officers to lead large amounts of Airmen, which is my greatest passion,” said Palmer.

Since being assigned to the 50 SFS, Speck said Palmer’s leadership capabilities have excelled.

“He leads the largest section, in the unit with the youngest of the youngest Airmen assigned, in a superb manner,” he said.

Speck cited numerous examples of Palmer’s leadership accomplishments, including leading teams for the president’s Air Force Academy visit and organizing drivers for Olympic Committee athletes. 

“While in pre-deployment training, he was the defense force commander responsible for 256 enlisted personnel. He led his Airmen through relentless leadership through his assigned Senior NCO Corps to accomplish all training and personnel requirements,” he said. 

Palmer hopes the award will be one of many highlights in a long Air Force career. 

“I plan to remain in the Air Force and ultimately retire,” said Palmer. “My time in this career field has been extremely rewarding. I have learned more from my Airmen than I could have ever imagined. I have also had excellent commanders who have always been supportive of my career desires and have pushed me to continuously better myself.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed this chapter of my life and wouldn’t trade it for the world,” he said.

Edwards Puts on Show for Stars of ‘Ultimate Beastmaster’
By Kenji Thuloweit, 412th Test Wing Public Affairs / Published March 02, 2017

Mixed martial arts fighter Anderson Silva (left) and actor Terry Crews pose for a photo with Airmen from the 412th Security Forces Squadron. The squadron put on a military working dog demonstration as part of the stars’ visit Feb. 24 to introduce the new Netflix show “Ultimate Beastmaster.” (U.S. Air Force photo by Kenji Thuloweit)

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --
A new Netflix show made its debut at Edwards with a USO screening event Feb. 24 at the base theater. “Ultimate Beastmaster” is a one-hour-long competition show featuring teams from six countries who try to make it through an obstacle course called The Beast.

The international competition has six customized broadcasts featuring local languages, competitors and hosts from each competing country. Two of the hosts, American actor Terry Crews and Brazilian mixed martial arts fighter Anderson Silva, introduced the free USO screening at the theater along with executive producer David Broome.

“The reason why we were really excited about bringing the show to Edwards Air Force Base is because there is no better audience, no better number of people that have gone through obstacles, conquered them, crushed them and trained on them,” said Broome. “The show is full of inspiration and there’s nothing more inspiring than doing something for our Armed Forces.”

Before the screening, the celebrity visitors were given a tour of base facilities, including the tower and a visit to Hangar 1600 to meet with maintenance personnel and pose for pictures in front of aircraft.

Crews said seeing military aircraft up close, and all the work and dedication that goes into maintaining and upgrading them, made him feel safe.

“The big thing is that you always hear about [Edwards AFB] and to actually come and see it live…I was actually more impressed,” said Crews. “The honest truth is that if you run the skies you run the world, and our Air Force is the most powerful thing in the world and we have to keep it strong.”

Crews added, “It’s inspiring because of the dedication. You see every member, every person – from the person who is cleaning [an aircraft] to the person who is working on it, to the person who is fixing it and the person who is flying it – everyone is really trying to be the best in the world at what they do…There’s a reason why we’re the best air force in the world.”

The trio also visited with members of the 412th Security Forces Squadron and the 812th Civil Engineering Squadron, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight. They observed a military working dog apprehending a mock suspect during a demonstration. Silva got the opportunity to detonate a small amount of explosives while Crews donned a bomb suit. The EOD Airmen also let Broome operate an explosive-response-team robot.

The group also visited the base library where they met with Airmen and family members before heading to the base theater for the premiere.

“It’s an honor…just meeting so many great people in our Armed Forces,” Broome said. “First and foremost it was always about the people today that we met and the generosity of their time and their warmth. My favorite part after meeting all the great people was seeing the B-52 and going into the repair and maintenance area. That was just spectacular, to be that close to that kind of machinery. To be a proud American and be that close to something we built is just amazing.”

Security Forces Squadron Member Saves Family
By Senior Airman Aja Heiden, 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs, February 27, 2017

Tech. Sgt. Jose Rosado, assigned to the 482nd Security Forces Squadron, Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla., stands with mother Janelly Rivera and baby Rivera after he saved their lives when their car went into a canal along with father John Rivera on Jan. 29, 2016. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Aja Heidan)

 HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --
On a Friday evening, an Airman and his son were on their way to the Sam Johnson Fitness Center here, when they heard tires screeching on the road behind them and saw the sound was coming from a white car that then tumbled into a canal. The car quickly sank under the water, trapping three passengers inside.

Tech. Sgt. Jose Rosado, a 482nd Security Forces Squadron team leader, and his 20-year-old son witnessed the accident at the intersection on Jan. 29, 2016. Rosado got out of his vehicle to assess the situation.

“No one came out of the vehicle and I didn’t want it to be one of those stories you see on the news where no one survives,” he said.

Fearing the worst, he went to help the passengers inside the vehicle. He jumped into the canal and tried to open the car’s door.

 “I broke the car’s window,” said Rosado. “It cut my hands, but I was able to pull the male and female passengers out safely.”

Rosado’s heroic actions didn’t end there. After rescuing John and Janelly Rivera from the car, Rosado realized another life was still in danger.

"Once the passengers were above water they started screaming their baby was in the car," said Rosado.

Again, Rosado jumped into the murky waters of the canal to save the couple’s child.

“Once I was under the water I couldn’t see at all,” said Rosado. “I started to feel around for the child and I felt him floating, still buckled into his car seat. I fumbled with the straps and clips to get him out. I crawled out of the canal and stood on the bank holding the baby. He wasn’t breathing, some water came out of his airway, but he was still blue.”

By this time other on-lookers had stopped near the site of the accident and called 911.

“Soon a fire rescue truck pulled up,” said Rosado. “I ran around the canal to an area where I could cross and gave the baby to the rescue team.”

The fire rescue team took the child to Homestead Baptist Hospital.

“That night I spoke to a nurse at the hospital, she told me the baby made a full recovery,” Rosado said.

Jose Rosado’s swift thinking saved a family of three after a dangerous accident and credits his ability to save the Rivera family to his military training.

“The security forces academy trained me to react to incidents quickly,” said Rosado.

After rescuing a family from a car accident many would feel their duty to help was over, but Rosado felt he could do more.

“I spoke to the family and found out the baby was going to turn one-year-old soon,” said Rosado. “The family had lost so much in the accident so I decided to start a GoFundMe account for them. Through donations we raised over $350.”

Due to his bravery in a situation that could have easily turned tragic, Rosado was nominated for an award by his peer.

Citizen Airmen Save Life of Drowning Child
SSgt Daniel Phelps, 349th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs, March 17, 2017 Travis Tailwind

1) Staff Sgt. Rochelle Waters, 349th Security Forces Squadron, poses for a photo outside of the combat arms building March 9 at Travis Air Force Base, Calif. 2) Staff Sgt. Dante Thomas, 349 SFS, poses March 9 for a photo outside of the same building. Thomas and Waters saved the life of a drowning child during an off-day during the recent Exercise Cope North 2017 in Guam (U.S. Air Force photos by Daniel Phelps)

They didn’t set out to be heroes, nor did they expect that their recent temporary assignment to Talafofo, Guam, would place them in that situation.

On Feb. 25, Staff Sgts. Rochelle Waters and Dante Thomas, 349th Security Forces Squadron members, were enjoying an off day at the beach from their training at Cope North when something odd in the water caught their eye.

“We swam all morning,” Waters said, describing the scene. “We were just hanging out after our barbecue. I was sitting under a canopy relaxing. Dante was chatting on the phone.”

A young boy and his sisters were playing in the water, swimming, Dante said. As they swam farther out in the water, the boy started to lag behind. “I don’t know why I looked up,” Waters said. “I saw the boy, about my son’s age, dipping underwater, starting to flail and shouting, ‘I can’t swim, I can’t swim, I can’t swim.” At that point, she started for the water just as Thomas threw down his phone. They both rushed toward the boy. “As soon as I saw him bob, I knew he was in trouble,” Thomas added. “As I was jumping in, she dove in right beside me.”

“I ‘Baywatched’ it,” said Waters. “I stripped down to my suit and dove in. We swam out around 50 yards. I don’t remember who got to him first.” Fortunately, both citizen Airmen have life-saving professions outside of their Reserve careers: Thomas is a police officer, Waters is a nurse.

Once they got the boy to shore, Waters noticed the child’s lips were blue and knew it wasn’t because he was cold. “The water wasn’t cold,” she explained. “So I put him over so he could expel whatever was in his throat. Then, he coughed up a bunch of water. My nursing training kicked in.” She took his pulse and checked his ABCs: airway, breathing and circulation.

“I made sure he was OK,” said Water. “He kept saying he was dizzy, his arms were dizzy and he was extremely tired. ”It was quite a distance to his family over rough terrain, so they couldn’t carry him, Thomas said. Since he was unable to walk, they waited with him.

“We waited until he could breathe a bit better and his pulse was in a normal range,” Waters said. “When he said he was OK, Dante and I swam back with him on our shoulders to his family.”

The family had no clue what had almost happened, Thomas said. They were incredibly grateful.

For the two Citizen Airmen, personal and professional instincts kicked in fast. “The first thing that went through my mind was my son; I have a son the same age,” Waters explained. “It was almost immediate, like a mother’s intuition.”

Thomas said that as a police officer, he is always aware of his surroundings. “I was just enjoying the scenery and saw something that didn’t add up,” he said. “I went from enjoying the scenery to seeing his head bob.”

The two Citizen Airmen don’t see what they did as anything out of the ordinary. “I just did what I was supposed to do,” Thomas said. “It’s like putting on the uniform. We didn’t do this to be recognized. It was just – something’s wrong here, let’s do what we can to make it right.”

Water’s echoed his thoughts. “I think as a security forces member, it’s not that huge of a deal,” she said. “We know that any one of us, had we been in that situation, would have done that exact same thing.”

AFCENT Force Protection, Defenders Safeguard Service Members, Mission

By Staff Sgt. R. Alex Durbin, U.S. Air Forces Central Command, 1 February 2017

A mine-resistant, ambush protected vehicle driven by a member of the 451st Expeditionary Support Squadron Security Forces Flight, patrols the flightline at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Jan. 20, 2016. The U.S. Air Forces Central Command Force Protection directorate at the Combined Air Operations Center at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, acts as the nexus of security operations across the area of responsibility to ensure security forces personnel can protect personnel, assets and, ultimately, the mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Robert Cloys) 

AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar (AFNS) -- In the constantly changing landscape of the U.S. Air Forces Central Command battlespace, one thing remains constant – U.S. Air Force security forces Airmen stand vigilant at installations across Southwest Asia day and night. 

To ensure these defenders can remain prepared for any threat, the AFCENT Force Protection directorate at the Combined Air Operations Center here acts as the nexus of Air Force security operations across the area of responsibility. The staff provides the guidance and support to ensure security forces personnel can protect personnel, assets and, ultimately, the mission.

"Our No. 1 priority is to support the warfighter,” said Col. Michael Gimbrone, the AFCENT Force Protection director. “Our goal is to provide a mission-ready, resilient and air-minded security force, organized, trained and equipped to deliver enduring, integrated defense against threats to Air Force, joint and coalition missions.”

To achieve this, the AFCENT Force Protection directorate uses an interdisciplinary team of logistics, intelligence, anti-terrorism and security forces specialists to identify, counter and neutralize threats to Air Force, joint and coalition personnel and assets. These specialists provide a comprehensive skillset to support defense force commanders at installations across the AFCENT area of responsibility with a complete picture of operational considerations.

“No one person can look at a whole battlespace and have all of the answers,” said Chief Master Sgt. Steven Thompson, the AFCENT Force Protection security forces manager. “We try to look at both sides of the coin to find a solid way ahead.”

The force protection staff also provides guidance and policy support to defense force commanders at the squadron level to help day-to-day operations run smoothly. To ensure the unique needs at each installation are understood and met, the directorate holds a biannual force protection coordination board that brings leaders from each security forces unit across the AOR together for a two-day conference.

Gimbrone said the board aims to provide engagement opportunities between the AFCENT staff and defense force commanders and security forces managers to ensure security forces leaders in the field have the appropriate information, guidance and support they need to execute their missions.

“Our staff exists to support the forces in the field, not the other way around,” Gimbrone said. “Ultimately, it’s our security forces units that have the responsibility of keeping AFCENT personnel and resources safe and secure, and the board is an opportunity to reinforce to them that our force protection staff is committed to doing everything we can to give them the support to enable them to do just that.”

During the two-day board, experts from various sectors of the security forces career field come together to share information and participate in forums to innovate and improve security processes in the field.

“We want to show the rest of the (Defense Department) that Air Force security forces is a viable force and we’re willing to take on new missions and can do them quickly and effectively,” Thompson said. “We want to show that we’re committed to keeping not just AFCENT personnel and resources secure, but also keeping other DOD and coalition partners well defended.”

Thompson said this attitude is engrained in the security forces way of life.

“When we work with joint and coalition partners, our defenders can put aside the color of the uniform or the nationality and work as a team,” he said. “Our career field is all about the fact that it doesn’t matter who you are as long as you have my back and I have your back. When we come together, the job gets done.”

According to Gimbrone, this ability to aid joint and international partners has a wide-reaching affect.

“This truly is both a joint and coalition effort to be able to conduct the missions across the AOR,” he said. “The ability to take the fight to the enemy in Mosul and other places could not happen at the same level if we did not have joint and coalition efforts. Across the AOR, our defenders are working side-by-side with forces from the other branches of the Department of Defense and forces from other nations to keep our locations secure.”

While battlefield and adversary may continue to change, Gimbrone said one thing is certain – he, his staff and the security forces Airmen will continue supporting the fight wherever they are needed.

“As long as there is a need for the U.S. to have a presence in the AFCENT AOR, there will be a need for Air Force security forces to be here accomplishing the mission,” he said. “As we move forward, we will continue to see great accomplishments by security forces as they defend against the enemy wherever they may be. Certainly it would be ideal to have a day where we could have a stabilized, enduring posture in the AOR and not have to deal with emerging locations or an ever-evolving enemy, but until that is the case, then there will be SF in the AOR keeping our personnel, resources and missions safe and secure.”

Defenders Wanted!

Location: San Antonio, Texas

March 20, 2017                                                                   

We at Securitas are looking for knowledgeable and motivated; state licensed Level 3/4 Security Officers to join our mission of protecting our cities water. Veterans of Security Forces have the integrity, experience, and professionalism needed to help maintain a quality of service we aim to provide to our city.

What does Securitas have to offer?

--- Veteran Leadership. The branch and project manager are both Veterans of Security Forces.

--- We commit to our officers. We understand the struggles our veterans face in the job market as well as the work place. As such, we will arm, equip, train and support you to ensure you and our operation remains successful.

--- Career Progression. Our security operation is complex but will be familiar to Defenders. Our duty positions include: Mobile Patrol, OIC (flight chief level of authority), Dispatch (desk sergeants), Personal Protection Officers (personal security detail), and access control (entry controllers).

--- Above Market Starting Wages; $14.00-16.00 per hour with annual increases thereafter.

Who are we?

--- Securitas is the most locally-focused security company in the United States, with over 500 local Branch Managers and more than 88,000 Security Officers who provide unmatched security solutions to meet the specific needs of thousands of businesses. Securitas USA's core business is Security Services. Our main service offering categories are specialized guarding, mobile security services, monitoring, and consulting and investigations.

--- At Securitas USA we believe that the future of our company can only be achieved if we help with the continuity of our people’s skills. We believe in proper recruitment, extensive training and ongoing coaching. We strive to help our employees develop to their full potential.

How to apply?

Email your resume to Dawn Bowen/Human Resources Manager at dawn.bowen@securitasinc.com or apply online at www.securitasjobs.com

MAKING THE MOST OF THE REPS

CMSgt Tamala L. Hartz

In her last article Brig Gen Tullos talked about getting your training reps in. She linked the concept of getting multiple reps in your personal workout to the importance of getting multiple reps in your professional training regimen. I would like to continue along those same lines and talk about how we can make the most of those reps.

As anyone who has been in a gym or a member of a team knows, how you do your reps is as important as how many reps you do. Is your technique correct, is your form focusing on the correct muscle group, and are you covering your part of the game? If you have ever been discouraged by the results from your workout, chances are the answer to at least one of these questions is “no”. So how do we ensure the answer to all of these questions is “yes” as it relates to your professional training regimen? One way is through leader-led training. 

Leader-led training is nothing new. It has been around and a part of the military for decades. The Army and Marine Corp are well versed in its use and it has also been a technique commonly used in some of our specialized units such as the 820th Base Defense Group with great success. Taking it mainstream however has not garnered as much steam as it should. It has been a more common topic of discussion after a training analysis identified a gap in unit on-the-job training. Two primary questions seem to linger at the most grassroots part of our career field, the squadrons. How do we execute leader-led training and how do we accomplish the paradigm shift needed to lock it in as the way we do business in the unit training world?

Leader led training will free our career field from being locked into the traditional classroom instructor led training that seems to follow a shift or completed on a training day. Using the traditional classroom training technique where topics are presented by an instructor from the training section, usually delivered by PowerPoint, for an audience with varying degrees of training and experience is not the most efficient method of training. The twenty-year MSgt

Flight Chief sits alongside the two-year A1C and receives the exact same training in the exact same manner. This training method delivers the topic to the lowest skill-level and is formatted in such a way as to be understood by the most junior, inexperienced person in the room. While the A1C may be deriving some benefit from this technique, chances are anyone with any substantive time or experience in Security Forces is not learning. This is a perfect example of getting inadequate reps. We must make maximum use of your limited time to get the greatest benefit from properly performed reps. This is where leader-led training comes in.  

Picture yourself in the same scenario but broken down into fire team and/or squad configurations being training by leaders of your flight addressing your specific training needs and skill level. Now picture the ability of your flight leaders to conduct some of this training on post or during a normal tour of duty. Three benefits become immediately apparent. First, leaders must learn tasks to higher levels of proficiency in order to impart that knowledge on Defenders. He/she become stakeholders in the proficiency of their fellow Defenders and they exercise the leadership roles in line with their rank. Second, subordinates receive training in a realistic environment versus the antiseptic classroom. The training is tailored specifically to the Defenders needs and can be adjusted to push him/her outside their comfort zone and ensure learning is taking place. The training is delivered by the actual leaders who will lead Defenders when they face on-duty situations. Lastly, your time is valued, your proficiency is elevated, and you learn these two things do not always have to be mutually exclusive.  

Now you may be asking yourself how the unit training section fits in. It is important to remember that leader-led training is not an end-all, be-all. It is an added training tool and will not be appropriate in some situations. Specialized training requiring federal, state, and local certifications will still need to be conducted by the training section. The primary focus of the trained instructors in the training section will be to implement a leader-led training program. This program teaches the leader-led trainers training methods as well as evaluation techniques. The trainers will also need to audit and facilitate leader-led training by providing training venues, materials, and expertise as needed. The training section instructors will also be responsible for ensuring training is being conducted and documented properly. In short his/her role will primarily be specialization and facilitation.

So how do we make leader-led training the standard instead of the exception? This is a question that has been asked repeatedly over the past few years. Many discussions have taken place on how best to train leaders to be proficient teachers and how to certify them as such to the satisfaction of the career field and the Air Force. We also need to get the word out on leader-led training and begin touting it as our primary training method. These are issues we are working here on the staff. We have made some progress and are beginning to see some leader-led training programs springing up from place-to-place. The recently formed Security Forces Training Working Group is tackling these issues right now.

Leader-led training is our path to posturing ourselves properly, focusing on the correct training muscles, and achieving the full range of training motion that will make our team stronger and more lethal as individual Defenders and a highly capable fighting force.

AFSFA Publishes Security Forces History Book Volume III

Dear Air Police, Security Police, & Security Forces Members:

Due to the continued interest in the Air Force Security Forces history, the Air Force Security Forces Association and M.T.Publishing Company have joined forces to publish a third edition history book for 2017. This third edition will make a perfect companion book for the first two and will contain additional history about the Air Force Security Forces with a section for your stories while serving, as well as a chapter for your personal biography. If your biography was in one of the other editions and you would like it to be in this one, it will be necessary for you to resubmit it along with two photos if possible - one while in the service and a current photo. You may use the same photos that were in the previous editions. Do not send photocopies; they cannot be used.

Your experience stories are encouraged for this third edition. These can be provided to the publisher free by simply writing an interesting story while serving as a AP, SP, or SF member in 500 words or less. You may also provide photos to go along with your article. All stories will be reviewed for content, possibly edited and published based on pages available for this chapter.

The volume will be:

• 9˝ x 12˝ Hardbound

• Min. 112 pages

• $84.00†(Leather Edition)

• $52.50†(Standard Edition)

Submitting Your Biography for the Volume III History Book

Write your personal biography in 150 words or less, indicating your name, rank, place and date of birth, when inducted into the service, years served, duties, action while in the service, when discharged, awards/medals received, interesting stories as they relate to the Air Force Security Forces, family data, and what you are doing today. If you stay within the 150-word limit, it will cost nothing to participate. The cost for each word over the 150 limit is 15 cents. If your biography is over the limit, please remit a check for the extra words. Send your biography with two photos, if possible – one when you were in the service and a current photo. Do not send photocopies in place of photos, because they cannot be reproduced for use in the book. Biographies may be submitted without photographs. Please type your bio (double-spaced) on plain white paper or submit electronically in a text document. Do not embed photos into the text. Please send those separately. You may also submit your biography on-line at www.mtpublishing.com To ensure that all material is returned after publication, write your name, address and phone number on the back of all material submitted.

Please send biographies and photos to M.T. Publishing Company, Inc.. Please do not send photocopies in place of photos, because they cannot be reproduced for use in the book. Any digital photos must be scanned at 300 dpi for submission. Low resolution photos cannot be used for the book. If you have questions about scanning or submitting digital files, please contact our publisher at orders@mtpublishing.com or by calling 1-888-263-4702. In submitting photos, please include a caption on the back of the photo with the date and an explanation of who or what is depicted. To ensure that all material is returned after publication, write your name, address, phone number on the back of each item submitted. A book order is not required to submit material for possible inclusion in the publication. You may also submit your biography and photos on-line at www.mtpublishing.com

To electronically submit your biography and photos online, just scroll to the bottom of the web site page and click on the “Submit A Biography” link. Enter your personal contact information and you can cut and paste your biography into the box and upload photos already on your computer. The first 150 words for your biography are free, every word after that is 15 cents. Once you are done hit the “Submit” button and you are done.

Submission and preorder deadline is 31 May 2017! See your latest AFSFA Security Forces Magazine for the order form.

DoD Identifies Airman Who Died in Non-Combat Incident in Syria

By: AF Times Staff report, March 30, 2017 (Photo Credit: Air Force)

The Defense Department on Thursday released the name of a security forces airman who died in Syria while supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.

 Staff Sgt. Austin Bieren, 25, died Tuesday in northern Syria in a non-combat related incident. Bieren, who was from Umatilla, Oregon, was assigned to the 21st Space Wing at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado.

 Officials did not immediately release any additional information about what happened to Bieren, but an initial news release said the death appeared to be the result of natural causes.

 "Staff Sgt. Bieren was a valuable and beloved member of our team and will be sorely missed," Col. Douglas Schiess, commander of the 21st Space Wing, said in the wing's release Thursday. "His dedication to his country was evident in his actions. He was a superb airman."

 The 21st declined to release further information about what unit Bieren was supporting and what he was doing in northern Syria.

However, Maj. Gen. Jay Silveria said at a conference earlier this month that Air Force engineers have built and expanded an airfield in northern Syria to bring in crucial supplies, including ammunition, to assist with the fight against the Islamic State. Silveria said March 2 that airfield had seen 50 C-17 landings and more than 100 C-130 landings.

This marks the second known loss of an American service member in Syria. It is the first since late November, when 42-year-old Senior Chief Petty Officer Scott Cooper Dayton was killed by an improvised explosive blast near Ayn Issa, north of Raqqa, which the Islamic State considers its capital.

There are about 900 U.S. troops in Syria providing various forms of support to allies leading the ground war against ISIS. Most are special operations forces, though some conventional Marine artillery personnel have arrived in recent weeks as efforts intensify around Raqqa.

To the west, a force of several dozen Army Rangers continue to patrol the city of Manbij. They were sent there in early March to prevent ethnic rivals from battling one another.

SF Exhibits Annex Showcasing SF History and Heritage

AETC History Office

(Photo courtesy of Ken Neal)

If you have recently visited JBSA-Lackland, you might have seen a new sign on the building previous known as the USAF Security Forces Museum. It reads USAF Security Forces Exhibits Annex. This is the place to visit for all things related to the history and heritage of the Security Forces.

You may ask, why did the name change? That came about in 2016 when the National Museum of the US Air Force consolidated the two museum accounts (historical holdings such as uniforms, weapons, photographs, and much more) at JBSA-Lackland into a single account under a single, consolidated museum, the USAF Airmen Heritage Museum.

While there is one museum, there are two distinct museum facilities. Building 10501 continues its long association with the Security Forces career field. Its halls showcase Security Forces heritage exhibits and artifacts. It is a one-of-a-kind place, the only facility in the Air Force Museum Program dedicated to a single career field, Security Forces.

Building 5206 is home to the Airmen Heritage Museum and Enlisted Character Development Center. Its focus is to tell the story of the Enlisted Airman, and it does that through artifacts and exhibits. Under the direction of CMSgt Steven West, the museum system at JBSA-Lackland has plenty to offer. Colorful, informative displays, authentic uniforms, artifacts, and a staff available to answer your questions. In fact, the museum just added a new staff member, Mr George Strader. A former enlisted Air Force historian and curator at the Sheppard AFB, Texas, heritage hall, Mr Strader brings a wealth of experience to the museum. He will be working from the Security Forces Exhibits Annex and is available to assist with historical research and tours.

Both of the museum facilities are open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday and from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. They are closed on Wednesdays, the weekend, and on federal holidays. To schedule events at either locations (for example, retirements, promotions, reunions and special tours, contact SSgt Ryan Stockbridge at ryan.stockbridge@us.af.mil

2016 AF Outstanding Security Forces Unit Award Winners

Chief Hartz and I are pleased to announce the following units have been selected as the 2016 Outstanding Security Forces Unit Award winners. This award recognizes the extraordinary contributions Security Forces units and their personnel have made to our nation's ability to project airpower.

Award winners are listed in their respective categories:

- United States Air Force Outstanding Unit "Air Reserve Component" Award Winner: 944 SFS, AFRC, Luke AFB, AZ led by Lt Col Amy A. Evans and CMSgt Anthony J. Simmons

- United States Air Force Outstanding Unit "Small Category" Award Winner: 736 SFS, PACAF, Andersen AFB, GU led by Maj Lidia A. Iyassu and CMSgt Rick A. Schlachter

- United States Air Force Outstanding Unit "Medium Category" Award Winner: 423 SFS, USAFE, RAF Alconbury, England led by Lt Col John W. Jansheski and SMSgt Steven N. Byer

- United States Air Force Outstanding Unit "Large Category" Award Winner: 18 SFS, PACAF, Kadena AB, Japan led by Lt Col Sarah Babbitt and CMSgt Dana C. Council

Please pass on our heartfelt congratulations to your teams and let their installation commanders know the hardware will be shipped to them for presentation at a time and place of their choosing. Our sincerest thanks go to all of your Defenders for the contributions they make to our nation's defense every day.

Defensor Fortis -

Brig Gen Tullos
ANDREA D. TULLOS, Brig Gen, USAF
Director of Security Forces
DCS/Logistics, Engineering & Force Protection

Ghostwalkers' Gear Up for SW Asia

By Airman 1st Class Greg Nash, 23d Wing Public Affairs / Published April 13, 2017

Staff Sgt. Jonathan Jenkins, 824th Base Defense Squadron squad leader, plays with his son prior to deploying, April 11, 2017, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. More than 100 Airmen from the 824th BDS, known as the ‘Ghostwalkers,’deployed to Southwest Asia to provide fully-integrated, highly capable and responsive forces while safeguarding Expeditionary Air Force assets. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Greg Nash)

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- More than 100 Airmen from Moody's 824th Base Defense Squadron, known as the ‘Ghostwalkers,’ deployed to Southwest Asia to provide fully-integrated, highly capable and responsive forces while safeguarding Expeditionary Air Force assets.

The 824th BDS is a part of the 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing which provides highly trained ground combat forces and are capable of integrating air and space power into the ground scheme of fire and maneuver.

Their members conduct offensive and defensive ground combat operations worldwide to protect expeditionary aerospace forces with an airborne capability.

820th Base Defense Group Celebrates 20 Years

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, GA, UNITED STATES, 03.28.2017

Story by Airman 1st Class Lauren Sprunk, Moody Air Force Base

Photo By Airman 1st Class Lauren Sprunk | Airmen from the 820th Base Defense Group ambush a building during a tactical demonstration, March 27, 2017, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. The demonstration was part of the 820th BDG anniversary, which commemorated 20 years since the activation of the 820th Base Defense Group, formerly known as the 820th Security Forces Squadron, and allowed guests to reminisce on their history, honor those they’ve lost, and walk through a tactical demonstration. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren M. Sprunk)

Moody’s defenders, past and present, and distinguished guests gathered, March 27 to 29, here, to celebrate the anniversary of the only active duty Air Force base defense group.

The anniversary commemorated 20 years since the activation of the 820th Base Defense Group, formerly known as the 820th Security Forces Squadron, and allowed guests to reminisce on their history, honor those they’ve lost, and walk through a tactical demonstration.

“One of the things that makes the 820th so unique is the desire that its members have to come back and serve or just to come back and visit,” said Col. Kevin Walker, 820th BDG Commander. “It’s unlike any other group I’ve ever seen. Our Airmen have grown a bond that in many regards is stronger than family.

“I hope [that during this reunion,] those that are 820th alumni are able to find pride in seeing and interacting with the group that they’ve helped build.”

Attendees began the celebration with an opening ceremony where retired Brig. Gen. Richard Coleman explained how he transformed what started as an idea written down on a bar napkin into the first ever base defense group.

From there, guests went to a wreath laying ceremony where they honored the lives of the four Airmen they have lost since the group’s inception: Airman 1st Class Leebernard Chavis, Staff Sgt. Todd Lobraico Jr., Tech. Sgt. Joseph Lemm and Staff Sgt. Louis Bonacasa.

“[These Airmen] laid down their lives because they believed that everyone else’s tomorrows are worth more than their todays,” said Walker. “[For that,] we honor them for their courage, for their sacrifice, and for the American, the Airman and the defender that they are.”

After the ceremony, the 820th BDG recognized distinguished guest and former Chief of Staff of the Air Force, retired Gen. John Jumper, by dedicating a conference room in honor of him. Jumper also re-enlisted Staff Sgt. Scott Shirley, 824th Base Defense Squadron NCO in charge of plans and programs.

Guests ended their day by watching a tactical demonstration where 820th BDG Airmen showcased their strategies, weapons and ability to work as a team with each section that makes up the 820th BDG.

“The BDG composition consists of a headquarters element, a Combat Operations Squadron, and three operational squadrons that can be tailored to meet the mission’s need,” said Senior Master Sgt. Justin Geers, 824th Base Defense Squadron operations superintendent. “The 820th continues to evolve to fulfill the integrated base defense mission, as its predecessor, the combat security police of the Vietnam era, did.”

The tactics of the 820th BDG began in South Vietnam when highly successful guerrilla attacks compelled the Air Force to transform the standard practice of airbase ground defense into an aggressive defense force capable of detecting and stopping attacks on the base from outside the wire. Designated Operation SAFESIDE, the new initiative required new techniques to create the “active defense” concept which proved to be successful.

The SAFESIDE legacy returned with the activation of 820th Security Forces Group. The Group was activated on March, 17, 1997.

In the beginning, the group had difficulty finding the manpower needed to form the assigned squadrons of the 820th SFG. The group had seven flights scattered around the country who would come together to form a squadron when the Headquarters teams deployed for contingencies.

“From March 1997, the group and its seven geographically separated flights trained and became operational,” said Geers. “On August 1, 1999, Detachment 1, 820th SFG stood up at Moody to plan and execute the moves of the group Headquarters staff from Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, and to bed down and build three new squadrons.

“On March 14, 2001, the official stand up of the group occurred at Moody and the group moved to Air Combat Command.”

Today, the 820th Base Defense Group provides planning, training, equipping and preparation of three security forces squadrons. They are the only global ‘first-in’ force protection unit to provide fully-integrated, highly capable and responsive forces to protect overseas contingency operations around the globe at a moment’s notice.

“[This reunion allows] attendees to hear and see the past, present and future of the BDG,” said Walker. “They will see how the action of the past has created today’s BDG and how today’s BDG is preparing the way and setting the road for tomorrow’s BDG.”

Airmen in Qatar Honor Fallen Military Working Dog's Handlers

By: Ashley Bunch, April 25, 2017, Air Force Times online (Photo Credit: Senior Airman Cynthia A. Innocent/U.S. Air Force)

At Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, U.S. airman commemorated fallen military working dogs and their handlers last week during a ceremony and three-mile ruck march with the 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, according to a DoD press release.

“Rucking is a great way to commemorate those who have given everything to their military service,” said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jacop Parker, the unit’s kennel master. “It was challenging for both the handler wearing a 60-pound ruck sack and the dog running alongside their handler.”

“The dogs may be our wingmen, but they are different than a normal wingman,” said Air Force Senior Airman Noah Medor, a dog handler with the 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron.

“Not everyone realizes that the dogs we train are not our pets. They are government assets, just like airmen. And because they are government assets, they are exposed to the same dangers we are, if not more,” Medor said.

More than 65 service members took part in the event.