Holding down the fort

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Janine Thibault
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Many Airmen have come to expect and anticipate the training, evaluations, and inspections that come with being a military member. It is part of the nonstop education to make sure military members are updated on the most recent changes and decisions and know how to handle various situations.

The recent base-wide operational readiness exercise meant long working hours for almost everyone as Airmen and civilians across Eielson Air Force Base were put to the test. As a team, everyone worked together for the mission to be continued under various threat levels. The different shops and offices worked hand-in-hand in order to create a seamless flow as they carried on operations.

Also, during OREs, people are pulled for various tasks that are sometimes unrelated to their Air Force specialty code. One task that involved the participation of service members that performed duties outside their AFSC is security detail.

A six-person security team had the responsibility of making sure anyone without proper identification did not gain entrance to Amber Hall.

"Our job is to secure the headquarters building as well as the assets and resources it holds," said Master Sgt. Michael McCoy, superintendent of the 354th Equal Opportunities office, who took on the role of noncommissioned officer in charge of Amber Hall Security during the recent ORE.

The other jobs they performed include vehicle checks and indoor and outdoor building sweeps which involved walking the building's perimeter and inside the building looking for anything suspicious, and informing the building occupants of the current force protection threat levels.

Sergeant McCoy said by performing these duties the building could remain fully operable without the current force protection measures being an excessive cause for distraction.

Airman 1st Class Christopher Blake, a maintainer from the 354th Maintenance Squadron aerospace ground equipment flight, worked the night shift as an ever-vigilant eye. Even though it was his first time working on the Amber Hall security team he was still expected to perform his duties to his maximum potential.

"As I went through the night, I realized I improved and gained more confidence in carrying out my duties," Airman Blake said, "and as the night went on, I did things in more detail."

As Amber Hall's dedicated security team they use their training, Airman's Manual and additional guidance to keep everyone safe.

Sergeant McCoy said, "Airmen should refresh themselves and stay current by reading up on procedures so they have a better understanding of operations. This keeps them in a war mindset against possible infiltration. We must stay vigilant."