Deployed 'Defenders' secure the base

  • Published
  • By By Senior Master Sgt. Michael Land,
  • 506th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs
KIRKUK REGIONAL AIR BASE, Iraq -- --  349th Security Forces Squadron "Defenders" deployed to Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq, accomplished the base commander's number one mission, "Secure the Base," working shoulder to IBA-donned shoulder with Airmen from all components, and with Soldiers. 

The base has approximately 1,000 Airmen, more than 5,000 Soldiers and many partner units, and they are able to sleep soundly at night thanks to the Air Force security forces Airmen, of "Defenders," protecting the installation. 

Seven months after the unit's involuntary mobilization of 19 Airmen, a handful of those deployers remain in Iraq from Travis Air Force Base, Calif. A large contingent, which included Airmen who arrived Christmas Day, departed recently. 

One highlight of the deployment was the opportunity to work with active duty Airmen and Guardsmen. 

"I can say (with a little bias), that our defenders have performed exceptionally well in accomplishing this facet of the installation's over-all mission," said Capt. Michael James, 506 Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron Alpha Sector leader in Iraq. "Our defenders secure the base to facilitate our fellow Airmen and Coalition Forces partners in completing the other two facets of the mission (safe flight operations and support the nation builders)." 

"Base leadership has done an outstanding job of realizing our capabilities, and allowing us (security forces) to perform our duties in accordance with our training and doctrine. It has truly been an honor and privilege to serve with and for these fine troops from each component of the U.S. Air Force," said the captain, who hails from Sacramento, Calif., and currently calls Mountain House home. 

"This is unique that we get to interact with other components. It's interesting to see how they work," said Senior Master Sgt. Calvin "Cal" Glass, a Sacramento, Calif., native, who served as the Access Control Superintendent while in Iraq. 

With boots still on the ground, Senior Master Sgt. Steven West, Bravo Sector superintendent, said "It's a unique experience when you're a manager." Some guys work for a computer programming company, and others work for police stations, said the Vacaville, Calif., native, who wears a California Highway Patrol uniform when not in the Airman Battle Uniform. He said he has NCOs in different age groups--for example, a staff sergeant who is 40--and people from all regions of the United States. 

"It really is 'one team, one fight'," said Sergeant Glass during an interview before leaving. The Sacramento, Calif., native and California Highway patrolman said of the Total Force environment. 

"It's our inherent flexibility to do whatever we're asked to do," he said. "I think the coolest thing here is that there are a lot of folks out of their comfort zone, especially traditional Reservists," smiled Sergeant Glass. 

While a traditional Reservist, or "TR" this tour, Captain James has served at Kirkuk before as an active-duty officer, experience that affects his leadership. He was in Iraq between August and December 2003, when he served as Installation Antiterrorism/Force Protection Officer as a second lieutenant deployed from Luke AFB, Ariz. 

"I have a clear understanding of each component's roles, and what each component brings to the fight," he said. "I can speak to all members in terms that they will understand, since each component has their own nuances. I have also taken the opportunity to educate our active duty component on what life is like as a Reservist, and to help dispel any erroneous rumors and/or misconceptions that may exist. 

"A hidden benefit of being a Reservist is the invaluable experience that many of us bring to the plate from our civilian jobs back home" Captain James said. "These experiences have helped on many occasions, to 'think outside the box,' and develop innovative solutions to 'routine' problems." For managing those not-so routine challenges and cultural differences, something extra is called for. 

"Clearly, the number one characteristic for success would be patience," Captain James said. "With patience, comes understanding. Realizing that there are differences in the way each component operates, and knowing/utilizing these differences to the advantage of the organization is a must for success. 

"We have several Reservists that come to us from our sister services, and they add yet another perspective to our understanding of the big picture," he said. "The willingness to remain flexible and adaptable is beneficial to any situation. Once again, you have to understand that each component operates at different tempos. Trying to mesh these cogs together is challenging, but flexibility helps to bring everyone together to accomplish our mission." 

The "everyone" in Iraq comprises Soldiers, and the cultural differences between Air Force components were presumably small compared to those between these services. Regardless, an "inherent flexibility" helped these Defenders succeed. 

"It's been nothing but a pleasure for us," said Sergeant Glass, who worked directly with the 2nd Brigage Combat Team of the 1st Cavalry Division stationed at Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq.