Pope security forces NCO, West Salem native, works with host nation to secure Southwest Asia base

Published Jan. 20, 2010
By Tech. Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol
380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Working as a partner in joint patrols with host nation security forces, Staff Sgt. Justin Canada of the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron says he has a role that directly protects and secures the areas of his deployed base.

Sergeant Canada, a security forces craftsman deployed with the 380th ESFS from the 51st Security Forces Squadron at Pope Air Force Base, N.C., serves on a mobile fire team unit that works directly with host nation security personnel.

"On the mobile fire team, we conduct joint patrols with host nation security forces," said Sergeant Canada, whose hometown is West Salem, Ohio. "We patrol areas on the outer perimeter of base to make sure there aren't any deficiencies, things out of place or holes in the wire. We also try to learn about our host nation's cultures and try to win the hearts and minds of our fellow comrades."

A typical day at work for "defenders" like Sergeant Canada 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.

To be a "defender," it takes a high volume of training and the knowledge in weaponry, laws, directives and programs, policies, and procedures governing security forces activities, according to his career field description. That knowledge further breaks down into being fluent on installation security, anti-terrorism, law enforcement and investigations and air base defense.

The six-year Air Force veteran said what he and his fellow security forces Airmen do in their deployed work is not always recognized, but they carry on ensuring safety for all the people assigned to the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing.

"Security forces are on the front line in keeping the base safe and protecting all personnel 24 hours a day, 365 days a year," Sergeant Canada said. "Whether you see it or not, you don't know were always there watching over the base."

Serving in the Air Force, and in the security forces career field, has helped Sergeant Canada have a higher appreciation for what military members do every day. He said it has also helped him do things few others might experience as well.

"The military gives everyone a great opportunity to travel and experience things that most people will never get to see or do in a lifetime," Sergeant Canada said. "Everyone should live every day to its fullest -- that's one important thing I've learned."

Sergeant Canada's unit, the 380th ESFS, is part of the 380th AEW. The 380th AEW 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 wing supports Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.