Forces work jointly for BAF security

Photo By Staff Sgt. William Henry | Senior Airman Mark Joco, a security forces gunner with the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, watches the perimeter at an entry control point at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Oct. 27. Joco, a Yokosuka, Japan, native and augmented Airman from the 99th Security Forces Squadron based at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., works jointly with Task Force Cyclone, his security forces team and Afghan security guards to secure BAF day and night.  

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

11.13.2009

Story by Spc. William Henry 

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - The U.S. military and coalition service members who enforce security on Bagram Airfield work closely to accomplish a singular mission to ensure a safe and secure environment.

Task Force Cyclone, the mayoral cell for BAF, coordinates efforts with the U.S. Air Force's 455th Air Expeditionary Wing, Afghan national security guards and Task Force Gladius, Company B, Special Troops Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division members to secure the perimeter of BAF and the surrounding areas.

Since coming into the battle-space, Task Force Cyclone and force protection security workers have helped improve the efficiency of the operations around the post, said Task Force Cyclone Force Protection officer in charge, Army Lt. Col. David Ellis with the 38th Infantry Division based in Indianapolis.

According to Ellis and others with the 455th, the Air Force security team had taken control of the security operation in May of this year.

"The way the force protection cells now operate, they are able to process 250 percent more people and vehicles in a day's time than what they could a year ago," said Ellis, a Martinsville, Ind., resident.

According to both Ellis and Air Force Master Sgt. Thad Cooper, an augmented Airman from Andrews Air Force Base, Md., and the non-commissioned officer-in-charge of one of the sectors of entry, there are approximately 5,000 people and 600 vehicles that are processed onto the facility daily.

Everything that goes in and out of BAF is regulated through entry control points located throughout the perimeter of the base and is guarded by armed Afghan security guards and Airmen of the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron.

Cooper, a resident of Waldorf, Md., said the job he and his Airmen do is crucial to safely provide BAF with many things that are needed to sustain forces based here.

"Everything we process here that goes in and out of the base supports everybody. To me that makes what we do worthwhile," said Cooper. "I like doing what I do, it's very enjoyable. The work we do is hard, but it's worth it."

Each entry control point has many stages of complex procedures. The force protection team uses advanced equipment to inspect individuals and vehicles to the upmost standard available and do it with timeliness and precision. The team also employs a K-9 unit to help detect any residue or materials that may be hazardous in sections of the checkpoint processes.

The security forces work cohesively with other coalition forces regardless of what service branch they are a part of said Air Force Staff Sgt. Taylor Jordan, a native of Atlantic, Iowa, and an augmented Airman from 88th Security Forces Squadron Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

"It doesn't matter what type of uniform we might be wearing, we are all in the same fight," said Jordan.

"We work pretty closely with Afghan security, and a lot of them have been here for years. They help in any way possible with the locals," said Senior Airman Mark Joco, a Yokosuka, Japan, native with the 99th Security Forces Squadron based in Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.

Joco said he takes his work seriously and understands the responsibility he has. "We're the final line of defense, the final denial for those who shouldn't be on this base," said Joco, while manning his .50-caliber machine gun.

• Date Taken: 11.13.2009
• Date Posted: 11.13.2009 08:10
• Story ID: 41523
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF