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Dover NCO runs deployed security forces operations

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  In his hometown of Bridgeport, Conn., Tech. Sgt. Andre Scott grew in the largest city in Connecticut -- the fifth largest in New England. Settlements in the Bridgeport area, history shows, go back as far as 1659 but for Sergeant Scott it is not about what happened hundreds of years ago as much as now and why he continues to serve in the Air Force after 15 years.

"I continue to serve in order to make a better life for my family," said Sergeant Scott, a security forces craftsman and NCO in charge of operations support for the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron at a non-disclosed base in Southwest Asia.

As a security forces Airman, Sergeant Scott supports all security and force protection efforts for a deployed wing, the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, of more than 1,900 people and for billions of dollars worth of Air Force equipment and assets. Security forces like Sergeant Scott receive a host of specialized training to complete their deployed mission. In doing his deployed job, Sergeant Scott said he has a number of responsibilities in the operations section.

"I assign newly-arrived security forces to sections and flights," said Sergeant Scott, who is deployed from the 436th Security Forces Squadron at Dover Air Force Base, Del. "I also augment the security forces training section, serve as a unit facility manager and I draft, review and revise unit operating instructions, quick reaction checklists and special security instructions."

According to his Air Force job description, Sergeant Scott is also 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 Sergeant Scott 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.

"Security forces serve as the tip of the spear that keeps the air tasking order going," Sergeant Scott said. "We have the capability to take the fight to the enemy."

A typical day at work for Sergeant Scott 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.

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.

In joining the military 15 years ago, Sergeant Scott said in addition to fulfilling a patriotic duty he also had many other reasons to serve.

"I joined for the education benefits and to travel to see the world," Sergeant Scott said. "Since serving in the Air Force, I've been to places that would have cost me thousands of dollars to get to -- for free. Not just the Air Force but the entire armed forces pays you to go to school and take courses."

As the deployment continues, Sergeant Scott said he will continue to work hard until he can go home to visit Bridgeport and to Dover AFB.

"I excel in my job knowing that the more I work, the faster my time will go by which means I'm closer to being with my family," he said.

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. The wing is comprised of four groups and 12 squadrons and the wing's deployed mission includes air refueling, surveillance and reconnaissance in support of overseas contingency operations in Southwest Asia. The 380th AEW supports operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.