DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --
Editor’s note: This article is the first of a three-part series on the multiple missions of Airmen assigned to the 7th Security Forces Squadron at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas.
So much can happen at any time within approximately 5,400 acres of Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. It raises the question, “Who is responsible for protecting people and resources inside the gates?”
There are hundreds of security forces Airmen at Dyess who took the oath to keep the installation safe. They hold allegiance to their country, devotion to duty and personal integrity above all; they make up the 7th Security Forces Squadron.
“It’s overwhelming to think I am responsible for the security of all assets on base,” said Airman 1st Class Jazmyn Carr, 7th SFS member. “Protecting this base gives me a great feeling. It’s an awesome opportunity to serve.”
The defenders start their day by arming up with their weapons at the armory, then forming up for guardmount. Guardmount is a pre-shift official formation briefing ran by the flight chief to discuss security protocols and other information to keep security forces members aware of current situations, threat levels or other pertinent information.
“During this time, we take accountability to ensure everyone is present, look over everyone’s uniform, and we pass on pertinent information from previous shifts,” said Staff Sgt. Christian Cadavid, 7th SFS flight sergeant. “We also discuss where every member will be posted for their shift and what patrols and checks need to be conducted.”
Every base has a different mission that dictates what is required of security forces members. At Dyess, their top priorities are security and law enforcement.
“Security is protecting resources to ensure no unauthorized personnel gain access to restricted areas and responding to security alarms that go off,” said Airman Darrin Dorsey, 7th SFS member. “Law enforcement is everyday operations that includes manning the gates, conducting traffic stops and patrols.”
Some checks that are required of the members include building walk-throughs, random vehicle inspections and area lighting and physical security inspections. They also perform random speed selectives to ensure people are following speed limits and local traffic laws.
“It’s beneficial when people see us out and about because making our presence known at locations other than the gates is a good deterrence,” said Tech. Sgt. Justin Kinkade, 7th SFS flight chief.
Along with daily checks, members are continuously training. Numerous exercises are performed every day to keep the members current on their certifications. The exercises include a variety of situations a defender could see at any time such as responding to an unauthorized access to the installation or flightline.
“I love the exercises because it puts all of the text into perspective,” Carr said. “You can read how you’re supposed to handle the scenarios a million times, but if you’re not putting it into action you may not be prepared for an incident.”
Ensuring Airmen are following the appropriate procedures, whether real-world or during an exercise, are the security forces flight chiefs.
Flight chiefs are in charge of overseeing the operations and exercises, as well asf providing feedback to the Airmen. They also spend their day patrolling the base, visiting their Airmen at the different posts, administrative operations like updating their manning log to provide full shift coverage and ensuring the overall mental and physical health of their Airmen is positive.
“We operate off of a strict schedule, but if something occurs, then we are always ready to respond to anything that may come our way,” said Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Gonzalez, 7th SFS flight chief. “I have to ensure my team is always honest, on time and won’t do anything to compromise the mission. I’ve been blessed with phenomenal Airmen.”
To help build a relationship with their Airmen, the flight chiefs spend time with them at the gates and allow the Airmen to rest while they check identification cards. They will provide hot beverages during the winter and plenty of water during the summer. On some weekends, they have flight barbecues to help boost morale.
“When you sit down with your Airmen, that time is truly valuable to bond and bring back that human element a lot of people forget about,” Gonzalez said. “We know their personal decisions can affect their work life. During this time we can look in their eyes and ask those hard questions and make good decisions for the better of our Airmen.”
Dyess defenders work long, hard hours in all weather conditions. Next time the gate has a long line, random vehicle inspections take time out of the day, or flashing blue and red lights show up in a rearview mirror, remember these security forces Airmen and civilians took the oath to protect, in any capacity, all who enter Dyess.