MacDill Airman provides security, force protection for Afghanistan base

Published Aug. 30, 2010
By Master Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol
Air Mobility Command Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Senior Airman Lance Halverson is a security forces journeyman deployed with the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing, at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.

Airman Halverson is deployed from Air Mobility Command's 6th Security Forces Squadron, 6th Air Mobility Wing, at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. According to the MacDill base Web site, the 6th AMW's mission is to "generate and execute air refueling, airlift and contingency response, while providing base support for joint, coalition and interagency partners."

Security forces Airmen like Airman Halverson receive a host of specialized training to complete their deployed mission.

According to his Air Force job description, Airman Halverson 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 Halverson 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 Halverson might include 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.

Airman Halverson's 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 455th Air Expeditionary Wing is comprised of more than 5,000 Airmen, the wing's Web site reports. The wing consists of five groups -- the 455th Expeditionary Operations Group, 455th Expeditionary Mission Support Group, 455th Expeditionary Maintenance Group, 455th Expeditionary Medical Group and the 755th Air Expeditionary Group. The wing's primary mission is "to provide aerial support for Coalition and International Securtiy Assistance Forces on the ground."