379th ESFS entry controllers help maintain ‘eternal vigilance’

Published Aug. 26, 2007
By Senior Airman Clark Staehle
379th Air Expeditionary Wing

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- You come in contact with them every day. While you sleep, they help keep you safe. While you work, they're your base defenders.

The 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron gate guards are responsible for deterring threats and keeping the base, its assets and personnel safe. They guard the entry control points check IDs, help regulate traffic that moves in and out of their area and act as a line of defense, all the while maintaining professionalism and inspiring positivity.

"Basically we're here to protect and deter," said Airman 1st Class Nicholas Harrison, 379th ESFS entry controller. Airman Harrison is deployed here from Columbus, Miss, and is a native of Temecula, Calif. "We're prepared, waiting for something to happen and we are ready to stop it using whatever force necessary."

According to Airman 1st Class Shana Brown, who is deployed here from Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, maintaining vigilance is critical to success as an entry point controller.

"We pay attention to every little detail we can," she said. "Some of the British servicemembers are funny - they like to draw pictures on their ID card holders so you have to ask them to take their IDs out. You just have to pay attention to little details."

The guards man the gates in 12-hour shifts, with every fourth day off. That kind of schedule can leave the gate guards with little personal time, so the Airmen try to get as much out of their time off as they can.

"After we get off of work - a 13-hour day (including preparation) - we try to relax," Airman Brown said. "I'm deployed here with my husband, so I try to relax with him."

Many spend time working out, swimming, watching movies at the theater, reading, catching up on sleep, and writing letters to family and friends.

One of the challenges the security forces Airmen face is braving the elements.

Regardless of the sun, heat, humidity and blowing sand, the Airmen at the gates must
endure it all

"It's like getting into a cold pool; you just have to jump in," Airman Harrison said.

The job isn't all business for these Airmen though. Checking IDs gives them the opportunity to interact with people..

"I've pretty much worked every post here, so I've gotten to meet a lot of different people," said Airman Brown, a San Diego native. "The best part is helping everyone, and seeing all the people come through and talking to them and joking with them. It makes my day a little bit better."

While standing up for 12 hours might not be most people's idea of a good time, the Airmen who man the gates take it in stride.

"I smile a lot, I laugh, and I think about the letters I'm going to write home," said Airman 1st Class Gretchen Moore, who is deployed here from Tinker Air Force Base and is a native of Oklahoma City.

According to Senior Airman Brad Dandurand, 379th ESFS, who is deployed here from RAF Alconbury, United Kingdom, just getting the job done makes the time go by.

"Directing traffic makes the time pass for you, but just listening to music helps," Airman Dandurand said, who is a native of Wichita, Kan.

Airman Harrison shared his sentiments.

"There's a certain sense of pride that comes with this job," he said. "We're the only ones who do what we do. That kind of keeps us going."

For the Airmen who man the base's defenses, the hard work, core values and professionalism they display is all in a day's work.