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Travis Airman supports security, force protection ops at Iraq base

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol
  • Air Mobility Command Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Senior Airman Ryne Ritchie is a security forces journeyman deployed with the 532nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron at Joint Base Balad, Iraq.

Airman Ritchie is deployed from Air Mobility Command's 60th Security Forces Squadron, 60th Air Mobility Wing, at Travis Air Force Base, Calif. His hometown is Chino, Calif.

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

According to his Air Force job description, Airman Ritchie 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 Ritchie 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 Ritchie 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 Ritchie'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.

According to its base Web site, Joint Base Balad is home to the headquarters of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing. JB Balad is located approximately 42 miles north of Baghdad in the Sunni Triangle region, which was considered the power base of Saddam Hussein.

The 332nd AEW is composed of nine groups including the 407th, 438th, 447th and 506th Air Expeditionary Groups, located respectively at Ali Base, Al-Asad Air Base, Sather Air Base and Kirkuk Regional Air Base. Of note, the 332nd AEW has been designated by U.S. Central Command as the senior airfield authority at all four of these air bases in addition to Balad.

Joint Base Balad also includes what was formerly Logistics Support Area Anaconda, the largest Army supply center in Iraq. The U.S. Army's 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command is responsible for operating the supply center.