Desert defenders protect lives, resources; teach Iraqis to do the same

Published March 17, 2011
By Staff Sgt. R. Michael Longoria
9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force - Iraq Public Affairs

ALI AIR BASE, Iraq -- As the life line for U.S. forces in southern Iraq, the Ali Air Base flight line is extremely important, and its security is essential to safe, successful operations in the region.

Airmen deployed to the 407th Expeditionary Security Forces Flight operate 24 hours a day to ensure the entire 1,400 acre airfield is secure. At the same time, the defenders are enabling a smooth base transition back to Iraqi control by providing training for Iraqi Air Force security forces to handle the mission on their own.

"Our Airmen are dialed in," said Capt. Ryan Bodge, 407th ESFF commander and Cold Springs, N.Y., native. "Our heads are always on a swivel because the threat is real. Unfortunately, we are reminded of the threat every once in awhile, but we have responded well to it. I have no doubt that our defenders are some of the best in theater."

Divided into two flights, Airmen conduct day and night airfield security operations securing the flight line, predators and any transient aircraft landing here.

"Our job is to maintain vigilance and keep the airfield secure," said Senior Airman Thomas Connell, 407th ESFF patrolman and Watertown, N.Y., native. "It's exciting to be out here protecting assets valuable to the fight. The extra line of security between the base and the flight line allows people and resources to get in and out of Ali Air Base safely."

The 407th ESFF provides armed response to any incidents occurring near the flight line in addition to patrolling everything in and around the perimeter.

"If something happens, we are prepared for it," said Senior Airman William Beals, 407th ESFF flight chief and Hampton, Ill., native. "If nothing happens, that is even better because it means we've done our job. We deter the threat by presenting a hard target to insurgents."

To present the hard target, patrolmen randomly conduct sweeps and respond to sensor alarms. Whether on foot or in their vehicle, the Airmen scan restricted areas for unauthorized personnel.

"We patrol the perimeter and check the ramps to look for any suspicious characters," said Senior Airman Adrian Cavazos, 407th ESFF patrolman and Fresno, Calif., native. "We are here to keep people out of places they're not suppose to be."

Airman Cavazos, deployed from Kadena Air Base, Japan, and his partner explained that their checks have added importance because of the unknown threat. Without persistent over watch, insurgents would have easy access to plant explosives and sabotage million dollar resources. Even worse, aircraft passengers could lose their lives.

"We never know when someone could try and approach the assets," said Airman 1st Class Eric Colon, 407th ESFF patrolman and Akron, Ohio, native. "The bad guy could be staking out the flight line at anytime. As a young Airman, it's a great feeling knowing I'm responsible for the safety of others."

With their primary mission under control, the flight is using their skills and experience to train their Iraqi counterparts to take over airfield security. They were unaware of this secondary mission until arriving in country.

"Initially, we came in here just to do flight line security," said Captain Bodge, deployed from Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. "After about four hours on the ground, I was advised that we also picked up a mission training Iraqi security forces. We are very excited to have this opportunity. All of our defenders want to participate in the training."

As subject matter experts, the security forces flight is teaching the Iraqi security forces senior airfield authority and armory duties.

"We started with armory procedures," said Senior Master Sgt. Jim McMurdy, 407th ESFF superintendent and Jamestown, N.Y., native. "Now, we are teaching them what they will need to know when we hand over the airfield security mission. Our Airmen are motivated. They like working with the Iraqis and it's been an awesome experience for all of us."

Every two weeks, a new class of 25 Iraqis begins training on flight line security, entry control point operations, challenging techniques and various other security forces tactics required to secure the airfield.

"We are teaching them the basic security forces skills we use on a day-to-day basis," Staff Sgt. Cody Perez, 407th ESFF NCO in charge of training. "You can't over sell the importance of security and knowing how to protect all of your resources. It's a wonderful opportunity to lay the foundation and help them stand up their own military and air force."

Deployed from Lackland AFB, Texas, Sergeant Perez added that his job is easier because "the Iraqis are eager to learn."

Their eagerness is showing in how well they do in class. Their attendance record, two weeks without missing a day, is also a statement of their dedication.

"The students are picking up the training quickly," said Senior Airman Christopher Kelly, 407th ESFF second in charge of training. "I was surprised to see how interested they were in the topics. They are doing very well. It's rewarding for me to get out here and see all the progress they are making."

With the 407th ESFF's training, the Iraqi Air Force went from zero qualified security forces airmen to graduating its first class on Feb. 22, 2011. The Iraqi defenders are in the final stages of working armory infrastructure requirements, with plans to have a fully operational armory in the next few weeks.

"The Iraqi students have come in very motivated," Captain Bodge said. "Our defenders are just as motivated. Everyone is showing up ready to go and we've seen amazing results."

As U.S. service members relinquish control, the Iraqis' progress is important to the future success of their country.

"We are helping empower the Iraqi people and the Iraqi military so they can take on the mission and defend their own country," said Master Sgt. Sean Connelly, 407th ESFF operations superintendent and Portland, Maine, native. "We are teaching them to do what we do, so they can do it for themselves."

The Airmen already recognized the importance of their efforts but they still have several months to provide training and expect to see more progress.

"Toward the end of mission, they will progress more and be able to take over for coalition forces and stand on their own," Captain Bodge said. "I was deployed here before with the Army, and I've see Iraq's progress to a level of stability. The state they are in now says a lot about the efforts of coalition forces."