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Security Forces group assumes task force role

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. David Dobrydney
  • 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan --  Only officially created in November 2012, the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Group is unique among base defense organizations.

The 455th ESFG, also known as Task Force 455 under Regional Command-East, is responsible for a 200-mile Base Security Zone and the protection of more than 42,000 personnel.

"The creation of an Air Force-led task force conducting base security zone operations has significantly enhanced security in and around Bagram and Parwan Province," said Col. Brian Greenroad, 455th ESFG commander. "The task force and our mission partners have fully synergized combined air and ground assets supporting area security."

The group oversees approximately 1,200 personnel, including Soldiers, local nationals and coalition partners in addition to the Airmen.

"Task Force Soldiers and Airmen have performed superbly together, creating a secure air and ground operating environment supporting coalition priorities," Greenroad said.

Lt. Col. John Grimm, 455th ESFG deputy commander, said the group is unique in having an Air Force command basis.

"It has not been done where the Air Force is the ground battlespace owner since Vietnam," Grimm said.

The 455th ESFG builds its operations around the integrated base defense plan, synchronizing different elements under one chain of command.

The success of that synchronization can be seen not just in attacks thwarted, but also in the capability of taking organizations with different cultures and making them work as a team.

U.S. Army Capt. Ryan Johnson, Task Force 455 assistant operations officer, said he was excited to become part of the group.

"At division level, things run a bit differently," he said. "Here I'm closer to the ground and feel I'm having a positive effect on the outcome. Everyone is here with a common purpose."

Ironically, forming the group and splitting the responsibilities for internal and external security between two squadrons, the 455th and 755th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadrons, has helped the pursuit of that common purpose.

"Centralized decision, decentralized execution," said Capt. George Hern, 755th Expeditionary Security Force Squadron operations officer. The 755th ESFS is responsible for conducting security missions in the area surrounding the base. Hern said the setup has allowed Airmen to better focus their efforts.

"It's better now that it's split," Hern said. "It definitely makes it better for both."

However, the two squadrons are still well integrated with each other and their mission partners, according to Chief Master Sgt. Jason Parker, 455th ESFG superintendent.

"In a 22-plus year career, I've never seen [Airmen] as well integrated with joint and coalition forces as we are today," he said.

Besides streamlining chains of command, building relationships outside of the mission is another part of the group's success, Parker added.

"You earn trust by following through with things and backing up your words with actions," he said.

To illustrate, Parker described a recent instance where Korean troops stationed here were preparing for a fellow servicemember's memorial ceremony who perished during Operation Enduring Freedom. The non-commissioned soldier who had led the troop being honored needed transport to Bagram, but ran into delays at the Transit Center at Manas.

"She was the ceremony," Parker recalled, "[so the Koreans] came over and talked to us and we deconflicted between her and the security forces there."

Ultimately, the ceremony was a success and Parker said they were being thanked for days afterward.

"When they were in a bind, they called us and we helped them out. This is how you earn trust."

The Korean servicemembers echoed Parker's thoughts.

"[The Republic of Korea] and [the United States] have been allies for over sixty years since the outbreak of the Korean War," said Korean Special Forces Commander Jae In Lee, "we are more than just allies, we are brothers and blood-tied comrades."

Grimm concluded that he considers working at the 455th ESFG a fantastic opportunity.

"To be part of this mission, and see Airmen and Soldiers doing it day in and day out, it's humbling."