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Forces Work Jointly for BAF Security

  • Published
  • By Spc. William E. Henry
  • Combined Joint Task Force - 82 Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan --  The U.S. military and coalition service members who enforce security on Bagram Airfield work closely to accomplish a singular mission to ensure a safe and secure environment.

The Air Force's 455th Air Expeditionary Wing, coordinates with Task Force Cyclone, Afghan national security guards and Task Force Gladius, Company B, Special Troops Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division members to secure the perimeter of BAF and the surrounding areas.

Since coming into the battle-space, Task Force Cyclone and force protection security workers have helped improve the efficiency of the operations around the post, said Task Force Cyclone Force Protection officer in charge, Army Lt. Col. David Ellis with the 38th Infantry Division based in Indianapolis.

According to Colonel Ellis and others with the 455th, the Air Force security team had taken control of the security operation in May of this year.

"The way the force protection cells now operate, they are able to process 250 percent more people and vehicles in a day's time than what they could a year ago," said Colonel Ellis, a Martinsville, Ind., resident.

According to both Colonel Ellis and Air Force Master Sgt. Thad Cooper, deployed from the 316th Security Forces Squadron at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., and the noncommissioned officer-in-charge of one of the sectors of entry, there are approximately 5,000 people and 600 vehicles that are processed onto the facility daily.

Everything that goes in and out of BAF is regulated through entry control points located throughout the perimeter of the base and is guarded by armed Afghan security guards and Airmen of the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron.

Sergeant Cooper, a resident of Waldorf, Md., said the job he and his Airmen do is crucial to safely provide BAF with many things that are needed to sustain forces based here.

"Everything we process here that goes in and out of the base supports everybody. To me that makes what we do worthwhile," said Sergeant Cooper. "I like doing what I do, it's very enjoyable. The work we do is hard, but it's worth it."

Each entry control point has many stages of complex procedures. The force protection team uses advanced equipment to inspect individuals and vehicles to the upmost standard available and do it with timeliness and precision. The team also employs a K-9 unit to help detect any residue or materials that may be hazardous in sections of the checkpoint processes.

The security forces work cohesively with other coalition forces regardless of what service branch they are a part of said Air Force Staff Sgt. Taylor Jordan, a native of Atlantic, Iowa, deployed from the 88th Security Forces Squadron at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

"It doesn't matter what type of uniform we might be wearing, we are all in the same fight," said Sergeant Jordan.

"We work pretty closely with Afghan security, and a lot of them have been here for years. They help in any way possible with the locals," said Senior Airman Mark Joco, a Yokosuka, Japan, native, deployed from the 99th Security Forces Squadron based in Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.

Airman Joco said he takes his work seriously and understands the responsibility he has. "We're the final line of defense, the final denial for those who shouldn't be on this base," said Joco, while manning his .50-caliber machine gun.