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Base adds another layer of security

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Shaun Emery
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Another set of eyes is helping the 387th Expeditionary Security Forces squadron keep watch over their facilities here. 

With the construction of a new Combined Defense Operations Center completion, the 387th ESFS now sets their sights on training their host nation partners on how to implement the new tools at their disposal. 

The 387th Air Expeditionary Group plays a vital role in the movement of servicemembers in and out of the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, which makes the safety and security of members deployed here paramount. 

"The mission here is critical," said Maj. Jeffery Becker, 387th ESFS commander, "Both we and our host nation partners are committed to providing the highest level of security possible." 

Host nation security forces now have access to the same camera feeds used by 387th ESFS members in their Base Defense Operations Center and are also connected by an emergency hotline. Both projects were the result of successful cooperation between the 387th ESFS, the 386th Expeditionary Communications Squadron and their host nation counterparts. They will also have access to the Tactical Automated Security System alarm zone display and a new camera overlooking their main gate. 

"With the new facility, we can share a common operating picture," said Major Becker. "It not only helps us work together, it also provides them with their own command and control capability." 

With any new technology, there is a learning curve. According to Staff Sgt. Eugenio Prado, 387th ESFS training NCO, although some of the concepts are new; their military counterparts are eager to learn and are picking up the system quickly. 

"It's been great to see the interaction between the two units," he said. "In no time at all we'll be working together to increase security on our shared base." 

When devising new ways to beef up base security, Major Becker said it was imperative to keep host nation operability in mind, and ensure they were included in security programs. 

"This is their installation," he said. "When we do things on our own there is the possibility it may create seams in force protection coverage. We've found that if we work together, we create a strong Air Force to Air Force synergy to help resolve the security issues we both face here." 

During a recent training session, Tech. Sgt. Steven Callahan, 387th ESFS plans and programs NCO, and Staff Sgt. William Nelson, 387th ESFS sensors NCO, demonstrated how host nation members would utilize their new capabilities. 

In the new facility, eight cameras feeds are displayed on two screens, showing various locations around the installation. Sergeant Callahan points out on map where each camera is in relation to what is seen on screen. As he does, Sergeant Nelson has a 387th ESFS TASS Controller in the BDOC zoom in and out, to demonstrate that capability. 

Host nation members show great interest in the system as they pepper Sergeant Callahan with questions about how they can use the cameras to their advantage. 

"This will make our jobs much easier," said Master Sgt. Nasir Mustafa, the host nation's ranking NCO in the group. "It brings our two capabilities together. It is good for the base because it provides total coverage. It is the first step in joint security." 

This first phase, initial training, will provide the host nation members with the basic skills they'll need to use the shared surveillance system. The second phase, follow-up-training, will help streamline the command and control aspect of the partnership, said Sergeant Prado. 

With a new set of eyes at their disposal, the 387th ESFS focuses on continuing a security partnership with its host nation partners.