354th SFS, Augmentees provide security base wide

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Coleman
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Airmen from different jobs around base have been lending a hand to the 354th Security Forces Squadron by filling in vacancies of deployed Security Forces Airmen, and helping defend Eielson and maintain security base-wide.

Depending on Air Force rotations, exercises missions and other security matters, there are anywhere from eight to 40 Airmen temporarily assigned to augmentee duty here on Eielson Air Force Base.

Augmentees are trained and expected to perform duties as if it is their permanent Air Force Specialty Code. They attend training learning when to use certain types of force, firing weapons, how to handcuff, and how to search people. If Security Forces has special training, such as baton training or taser class, while an Airman is assigned to them, the augmentee will also be included in that training.

Augmentee duty started after the Sept. 11 attacks to help balance the large deployment of Security Forces members. The purpose of augmentee program is to ensure that Security Forces units meet their required base defense personnel numbers and augmentees receive the training necessary to accomplish their job. In a time that Security Forces members are deploying more and more frequently, it is imperative to augment as needed.

"The program will continue as long as cops are heavily tasked with deployments," said Senior Airman Ryan Thomas, a Security Forces augmentee trainer. "Most likely not until the War on Terrorism ends."

In addition to helping Security Forces, Airmen benefit from the different training and develop a new relationship with Security Forces.

"It's important we have augmentees support us to help protect this base so the rest of the Airmen can do their jobs," said Airman Thomas. "Most people tend to enjoy it."

Senior Airman Thomas said that although some people have a negative perception of cops, they build a new relationship and understanding when they work side-by-side with them.

"It's an opportunity for Airmen to go through a different type of training," said Airman Thomas, "It builds camaraderie between Security Forces and other Airmen."

Senior Airman Derick Bowers, 354th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels distribution operator, was an augmentee for eight months last year and volunteered to augmentee again this year.

"It is a great break from the normal Monday through Friday, seven to four work days," said Airman Bowers. "It does take a little while to get adjusted to the schedule."

Airman Bowers enjoys being able to respond to incidents on base, provide law enforcement duties, such as writing traffic tickets, provide security for the bases main mission essential air craft and patrol all areas of the base , just like regular Security Forces personnel.

"I encourage anyone tasked with augmentee duty to come with an open mind," said Airman Bowers.