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Alabama ANG brings joint experience to SFS

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Stacia Zachary
  • 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Alabama Army National Guard are currently standing watch over Eglin as they serve their two weeks of active-duty requirements as security forces augmentees here.

The Alabama ANG hosts the 231st Military Police Battalion, 128th Military Police Company, 152nd Military Police Company and the 337th Military Police Company from the northern sections of the state and serving their two-week active-duty requirements from May 31 to June 14. While the Alabama ANG has a training site near Range B75, this is the first time they have worked in any capacity on Eglin.

"There has been a significant increase to the (Alabama ANG's) manpower," said Capt. Christopher Butler, 231st Military Police Battalion training officer. "This increase allows us to conduct in-service training necessary to stay proficient in our duties."

The Army augmentees are working in conjunction with the 96th Security Forces Squadron to perform law enforcement duties where they will ride along with a security forces officer and provide back-up whenever necessary.

Having Airmen and Soldiers work together in a joint environment bring many challenges but also brings different perspectives. Many of the Soldiers have civilian law enforcement jobs and are able to bring that aspect to the shared experience.

"The Army and the Air Force do not use the same jargon so it's beneficial for us to learn how the Air Force works since we work together while deployed," said Captain Butler. "Another good learning experience is the knowledge and diversity these Soldiers bring to the job because many are (law enforcement) officers when they are not on military duty."

Having the Air Force and Army working together to effectively maneuver through challenge or to accomplish a mission is good for training and for real work mission requirements at Eglin or in a deployed environment.

"Having the (Alabama Guardsmen) working with our unit gives us the unique opportunity to operate in Joint Law and Order environment at a (continental United States) installation," said Senior Master Sgt. Camacho, 96th SFS operations superintendent. "Furthermore, this has been an excellent opportunity for both services to acquire lessons learned and understand one another's tactics, techniques and procedures in today's joint environment."