Mobility Airman profile: Scott AFB senior airman supports security, force protection ops at Southwest Asia outpost

Published April 19, 2011
By 380th Air Expeditionary Wing and Air Mobility Command
Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- At a non-disclosed base in Southwest Asia, Senior Airman Thomas Stone of the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron is helping protect thousands of personnel and billions of dollars worth of deployed military assets.

Airman Stone is a security forces journeyman deployed from the 375th Security Forces Squadron at Scott Air Force Base, Ill.

Security forces Airmen like Airman Stone receive a host of specialized training to complete their deployed mission. According to his official Air Force job description, Airman Stone is required to be able to "lead, manage, supervise and perform force protection duties to include the use of deadly force to protect personnel and resources." He's also required to perform air base defense functions contributing to the force protection mission which includes controlling and securing terrain inside and outside military installations.

In addition to doing his job of defending personnel, equipment and resources from hostile forces, security forces members like Airman Stone are capable of operating in various field environments and can perform individual and team patrol movements. Those movements include mounted and dismounted patrols, tactical drills, battle procedures, convoys, military operations other than war, antiterrorism duties and other special duties, according to the official job description.

A typical day at work for Airman Stone includes wearing the latest in "battle rattle." This can include the latest in protective armor and combat-ready gear. Additionally, he'll carry a loaded M-4 rifle, and possibly an M-9 pistol, in carrying out his deployed duties.

His Air Force job description also shows security forces are able to operate communications equipment, vehicles, intrusion detection equipment, crew-served weapons and other special purpose equipment. As first responders, they can also apply self-aid buddy care and other life-saving procedures at accident and disaster scenes. With law enforcement, security forces are capable to apprehend and detain suspects, search persons and property, secures crime and incident scenes, and collect, seize and preserve evidence.

The 380th ESFS is a sub-unit of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing. The wing is home to the KC-10 Extender, U-2 Dragon Lady, E-3 Sentry and RQ-4 Global Hawk aircraft, according to the 380th AEW fact sheet. The wing's deployed mission includes air refueling, air battle management, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in support of overseas contingency operations in Southwest Asia. The 380th AEW supports operations New Dawn and Enduring Freedom and the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.

At his home station at Scott AFB, the 375th SFS is part of the 375th AMW. According to the wing's Web site, "the 375th AMW is Air Mobility Command's showcase wing -- enabling combat power!" As the host unit for Scott AFB, the 375th AMW supports four major headquarters and a numbered air force with worldwide responsibilities. They include: U.S. Transportation Command, Air Mobility Command, the Surface Deployment Distribution Command, Defense Information Technology Systems Agency and the 18th Air Force. It also provides support for the Air Force Communications Agency, the Defense Information Technology Contracting Office, the 932nd Airlift Wing (Reserve) and the Illinois Air National Guard's 126th Air Refueling Wing along with approximately 66 other associate partner units.

(Senior Airman Maynelinne De La Cruz, 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs, and Master Sgt. Scott Sturkol, Air Mobility Command Public Affairs, compiled this report.)