Commander's Corner

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DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Commander's Corner is a forum for the Dyess community to make suggestions or voice concerns about Dyess directly to Col. Michael Bob Starr, 7th Bomb Wing commander. Each week the Dyess Public Affairs office solicits questions via the official Dyess Facebook page, offering people an opportunity to ask questions and receive answers directly from the wing commander.

QUESTIONS

The question I have is why we are using dependents as part of our base protection plan. My wife was held after her id was checked until they checked the car behind her. She asked and the guard told her it was to prevent someone from being able to run the gate (using her minivan, my wife and four kids as a barricade) and was part of the RAM for the day. I'm clearly not a fan of this technique and hope its removed as an approved method to stop unauthorized entry.
 
Col. Michael Bob Starr
Col. Michael Bob Starr		   RESPONSE
 
Mateo -- I have no higher obligation than to provide for the safety and security of Team Dyess Airmen and their families -- including yours. Although I think you may have misunderstood the context surrounding what happened to your spouse and children, I am not willing to discuss the specifics or the justifications for our defensive measures in a public forum. I can tell you, however, that the practice you have described is widely used and has proven to be both effective and efficient in protecting -- not only the installation and its assets -- but also our most treasured resource, our people. I am very proud of the work our Defenders do to keep us safe.  
 

Loreal Flannery - Recently there have been several days where Security Forces have been stopping outgoing traffic leaving base. I understand that there are security reasons behind this being done. My question is...if spouses post about this on facebook when its happening or even go as far as posting pictures showing the traffic being held up, does this violate OPSEC as well??
 
Col. Michael Bob Starr
Col. Michael Bob Starr		   RESPONSE
 
Loreal - The bottom line is, yes. Social media content shared by Airmen and families is easily exploited by those looking to gain access to sensitive information, so it is important that the members of Team Dyess refrain from posting about our force protection measures online, as it could jeopardize the security of our people and missions. Sharing photos of these practices gives valuable information to potential adversaries and anyone who wishes to do us harm. We all have an obligation to use social media responsibly. Thank you for your question, and allowing me to emphasize this very important message.