Eglin Airman protects deployed base as security response team member

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  If you go to any deployed air base in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, chances are one of the first people you'll meet is an Air Force security forces member upon approach to the gate. One of those security forces Airmen in Southwest Asia might be Senior Airman Nolan Spiers.

Airman Spiers is a security forces journeyman deployed with the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron at a non-disclosed base in Southwest Asia. He is deployed from the 96th Security Forces Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. In his deployed duties, he serves as a security response team member charged with security and force protection of more than 1,900 deployed personnel and billions of dollars worth of deployed assets, equipment and aircraft.

"My job not only requires maintaining security of our deployed aircraft, it also requires myself and my fellow security forces to monitor restricted areas and secure the perimeter of the base," Airman Spiers said.

Security forces Airmen like Airman Spiers receive a host of specialized training to complete their deployed mission. According to his Air Force job description, Airman Spiers 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.

"It's very important to have security forces in the deployed environment and in general," Airman Spiers said. "We are the first line of defense opposing anything that could harm deployed U.S. forces."

In addition to doing his job of defending personnel, equipment and resources from hostile forces, security response team members like Airman Spiers are capable of operating in various field environments and can perform individual and team patrol movements. Those movements include both 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.

Furthermore, 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.

"A lot of what we do goes unnoticed," Airman Spiers said. "But we are here and ready to complete our mission no matter what we're called to do."

A three-year veteran of the Air Force, Airman Spiers said he decided to join the military for many reasons but is most proud of the fact that he is able to serve his country.

"I am very proud to serve in the military and the Air Force," Airman Spiers said. "Everything I do provides a great feeling of accomplishment."

Airman Spiers said he and his fellow security forces will continue to provide the vigilance, security and force protection needed to protect and defend his deployed base as long as it's needed. And, he said, they'll do it in traditional "defender" style.

"A lot of people might not see the security forces every day, but we work long hours and you should know we are always watching, and defending -- 24 hours a day 7 days a week," Airman Spiers said.

The 380th ESFS is a unit of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing. The wing is home to the KC-10 Extender, U-2 Dragonlady 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.