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Wisconsin Army National Guard provides TAAC-Air security

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. J. LaVoie
  • Train, Advise, Assist Command – Air
FORWARD OPERATING BASE OQAB, Afghanistan --  The primary mission of Train, Advise, Assist Command – Air is to develop the Afghan Air Force, but that cannot happen without security. Though not initially expecting to perform this particular mission, the 950th Engineer Company, from the Wisconsin Army National Guard, has now taken on this critical task.

More than 50 soldiers execute base security, personnel protective details and provide quick reaction response forces at two Afghan Air bases within the country – a task they perform under pressure, everyday where lives are at risk.

During a recent shooting on one of the Afghan Airbases, 950th Engineer Company soldiers responded, secured the area, and helped prevent any further violence. Simultaneously, these soldiers provided combat lifesaving care to one victim, and transferred him to a hospital – saving his life.

Though they’re well-trained response exhibited clear heroics on that day, it is the unit’s everyday actions that allow for the TAAC-Air mission to be successful.

“We provide security for a safe training environment,” said Spc. Peter Erickson, 950th Engineer Company, TAAC-Air protective service detail. “We ensure the advisors are able to do their job while focusing on advising instead of security.”

Originally, the 950th Engineer Company was tasked to clear routes of explosive devices for coalition forces and completed a year of training for this mission. However, an insurgent attack this past summer on the Air Advisors’ forward operating base made the need for increased security evident, and the unit was retasked to provide base security.

“It is an interesting job to get used to,” said Spc. Michael Leckel, 950th Engineer Company, TAAC-Air base security. “We were training for route clearance, but were asked to provide base security. The advisors number one priority cannot be securing the base, running towers or the ECP. They specialize in training pilots. We are tasked with base security and we do that so they can focus on training an Air Force.”

In addition to base security, this mission includes what is termed Guardian Angels. In this role, these soldiers provide personnel security for advisors while they are out training on the Afghan Airbase. This allows advisors to focus on growing their Afghan partner’s skills and abilities in a safer environment.

“We do this, so when the coalition leaves, the Afghans can sustain their own means of protection,” said Erickson. “It’s one of the first steps of being able to run their own country and provide people confidence in their government.”

The advisors, who previously performed some base security functions themselves, appreciate the hard work and professionalism of the 950th Engineer Company.

“The men and women of the Wisconsin Army National Guard are some of TAAC-Air’s most valuable teammates. These Wisconsin professionals work tirelessly to ensure our safety and security 24/7,” said Brig. Gen. Michael Rothstein, Commanding General, TAAC-Air. “I sleep soundly knowing they are at work providing a watchful eye over our compound.
“What is most remarkable is the fact that they are doing a mission they were initially not expecting to do, but they have adapted well. Despite a year of training to conduct route clearance operations, their willingness to accept a completely different mission highlights their selfless devotion to duty and their professionalism, reflecting tremendous honor on the great state of Wisconsin and the United States Army. The Soldiers of the 950th Engineering Company will proudly say they played a vital role in building a professional, capable, and sustainable Afghan Air Force.”