ROCK SOLID WARRIOR Published Feb. 8, 2009 387th Expeditionary Support Squadron SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Senior Airman Zane R. Coss Job: Force Protection Controller Home Station/Unit: 374th Communications Squadron, Yokota Air Base, Japan. Camp Yuasa Detachment How do you support the mission here? As a force protection controller, I am responsible for the coordination and facilitating of all force protection activities here. I am tasked to maintain accountability and control of more than 400 third country nationals daily. I maintain a database that tracks the movement of every aircraft, vehicle and TCN from the moment they set foot on base to the moment they are escorted off. How many times have you deployed and what makes this one unique? This is my first deployment. I've always wanted to experience different cultures. I really did not know what to expect when I first arrived. Back at Camp Yuasa, my co-workers talked about deployments they have been on. This deployment is unique for me, because I am performing duties as a force protector and not tech controller. How does your job differ in a deployed environment vs. home base? It's similar and different at the same time. At my home station, I am a communications computer systems control technician. As a tech controller, I receive all calls for network/phone issues and distribute the work orders to the correct repair agencies. Here, I ensure that force protection have the right people at the right place at the right time to protect critical assets. Another difference is that while I am deployed, I must be alert and on guard at all times for known and unknown threats as compared to back home at Yuasa.