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380AEW Article

Cannon airman first class, Vallejo native, supports security forces operations in Southwest Asia

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jeremy Larlee
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Airman 1st Class Daniel Santiago is a security forces journeyman with the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron at a non-disclosed base here.

As a security forces Airman, Airman Santiago supports all security and force protection efforts for a deployed wing, the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, of more than 1,900 people and for billions of dollars worth of Air Force equipment and assets.

Security forces Airmen like Airman Santiago receive a host of specialized training to complete their deployed mission. In doing his deployed job, Airman Quick has worked the security forces control desk, flightline security, entry controlling to U.S.-controlled areas and base-wide patrols.

According to his Air Force job description, Airman Santiago is required to be able to lead, manage, supervise and perform force protection duties to include the use of deadly force to protect personnel and resources. He's also required to perform air base defense functions contributing to the force protection mission which includes controlling and securing terrain inside and outside military installations.

In addition to doing his job of defending personnel, equipment and resources from hostile forces, security forces members like Airman Santiago are capable of operating in various field environments and can perform individual and team patrol movements. Those movements include mounted and dismounted patrols, tactical drills, battle procedures, convoys, military operations other than war, antiterrorism duties and other special duties, according to the official job description.

A typical day at work for Airman Santiago includes wearing the latest in "battle rattle." This can include the latest in protective armor and combat-ready gear. Additionally, he'll carry a loaded M-4 rifle, and possibly an M-9 pistol, in carrying out his deployed duties.

His Air Force job description also shows security forces are able to operate communications equipment, vehicles, intrusion detection equipment, crew-served weapons and other special purpose equipment. As first responders, they can also apply self-aid buddy care and other life-saving procedures at accident and disaster scenes. With law enforcement, security forces are capable to apprehend and detain suspects, search persons and property, secures crime and incident scenes, and collect, seize and preserve evidence.

Airman Santiago is deployed from 27th Special Operations Security Forces Squadron at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., and his hometown is Vallejo, Calif.

Airman Santiago said he enjoys being able to use all of the training he has leaned in his career at a deployed location.

"It is important that we do our job correctly, because we need to keep everyone safe," Airman Santiago said. "I joined the military to do something more with my life and I really feel a sense of accomplishment working out here."

The 380th ESFS is a sub-unit of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing. The wing is home to the KC-10 Extender, U-2 Dragon Lady, E-3 Sentry and RQ-4 Global Hawk aircraft. The wing is comprised of five groups and 18 squadrons and the wing's deployed mission includes air refueling, air battle management, surveillance and reconnaissance in support of overseas contingency operations in Southwest Asia. The 380th AEW supports operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.