380AEW Article

380th ESFS quick response force strikes hard, fast

Published July 13, 2012
By Master Sgt. Scott MacKay
380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- An unauthorized person is spotted heading toward the flightline, which has multiple airframes on the ramp. No one knows where he's headed or for what purpose.

In five minutes or less, the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron Quick Response Force is on the scene to apprehend the suspect and secure the flightline.

This is just one of many responsibilities of the QRF. Its main task is to be ready to respond to any hostile action taken against the base. However, the force is also responsible for inspecting base security systems, physical security checks of all protection-level resource facilities, assisting local law enforcement when requested, and conducting random anti-terrorism measures.

To accomplish its tasks, the QRF is broken into fire teams and each team member has a specific role. Together, the teams' responsibilities fulfill the QRF mission, which is to provide force protection capabilities anytime, anywhere within the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing and do it within five minutes.

However, there wasn't always a designated team to perform these duties.

When Tech. Sgt. Scottie Boyd arrived at the 380th AEW from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, he was tasked with building a QRF program from the ground up. Instead of rotating security forces personnel through the QRF, he assigned a permanent team.

He was responsible for everything, from finding his team a home to standardizing equipment.

"It was a challenge in the beginning, putting together a dedicated team," said Boyd, a Newton, Ala., native.

He was responsible for developing realistic training plans suited to the challenges posed in theater, as well as building a local operating instruction and establishing special security instructions.

But the benefits of having a team outweighed those difficulties.

The main advantages to having dedicated teams are continuity, familiarity, and an extensive knowledge of individual roles and responsibilities, as well as knowing enough to assume all the positions on each team, said Staff Sgt. Stephanie Berman, a fire team leader from Joint Base Andrews, Md.

"The key to success is the ability to train together daily," Berman said, a Roy, Utah, native.

Every shift tackles scenarios designed by Boyd to test and challenge his teams. These scenarios simulate situations the team could encounter in their area of responsibility. The teams then review the exercises with Boyd to discuss what went right and what needs to improve.

For Berman and Boyd, the most rewarding part of this experience is watching the growth of the teams and forming a force that stands ready to handle any situation thrown its way.

"Seeing this program up and running and giving young Airmen an opportunity to see another aspect of security forces operations (is rewarding)," Boyd said.

The QRF's hard work has not gone unnoticed. Capt. Stephen Edmiston, 380th ESFS operations officer, said the team of high-speed defenders has done an excellent job creating the force's capabilities.

"Their efforts have set a new standard for force protection and I have no doubt they will continue to raise the bar every day," Edmiston said.