Air Force Afghan advisor sports two hats

Published May 25, 2012
By Senior Airman Alexandria Mosness
U.S. Air Forces Central Public Affairs

KABUL, Afghanistan -- The adventure-junkie, thrill-seeker never had another career choice in mind when he came into the Air Force; he knew he would go into security forces because he has always enjoyed the challenge.

Capt. Dan Minnocci, 439th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron, who is deployed from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., sports two hats at his deployed location; he is both the security forces operational advisor and defense force commander..

And they both go hand-in-hand because you couldn't do one without the other, he said.

The force protection element gives the 438th Air Expeditionary Wing a level of comfort and trust, Minnocci said.

The primary mission is advising the Afghan Air Force security forces, but Minnocci is also responsible for force protection to keep the 438th AEW safe. .

"I take a lot of personal satisfaction in the advising mission," said the Indiatlantic, Fla., native. "I can see the difference between the Afghan squads who I have worked with. Just the difference between the capabilities they arrive and leave with is drastic. They come in with good skills, but when they leave it is amazing what they have learned."

The first AAF security forces led patrol that took place recently was icing on the cake, Minnocci, said.

"They held their lines, performed vehicle security and changed formations when they should have," he continued. "And, I don't feel they would be able to do it without the advisory mission."

When Minnocci arrived at the base, his first priority was improving the quality of life for his 26 defenders.

"He takes care of his Airmen," said Master Sgt. Chris Wright, 439th AEAS security forces advisor. "We have 26 cops who belong to us. He does more than a lot of captains. He really stands up for them."

Minnocci's professionalism and knowledge has made it an enjoyable experience for those who work around him, Wright said.

"It has been a good experience working with Captain Minnocci," the master sergeant continued. "He is extremely knowledgeable, more than any other young captain I'm run across. This isn't my first mission, so seeing his level of knowledge definitely lets us have trust between the two of us," he continued.

While Minnocci reaches the half way point of his yearlong deployment this month, there are bad days just like everyone has, but he does his best to stay positive.

"It is just my personality to keep going," he said. "I don't want to be the guy who is slacking. I don't want people to think my Airmen or I am not capable. I am big on confidence. It is hard to be an optimist, but I try."

Even when the captain is having a bad day he presses on.

"How would I look to my Airmen and the Afghans I advise if I had a bad attitude?" He questioned. "They won't take the mission seriously if they see me acting negative."

Although the security forces leader is slated for a yearlong deployment, he wouldn't mind putting in some extra time.

"I like the mission and the fact there is a direct result for the effort you put in," Minnocci said. "I'd stay here if they'd let me."

This is Minnocci's first deployment to Afghanistan. He was previously deployed to Iraq.