366th Security Forces Squadron: Taking Care of the Gunfighter Family

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Debbie Lockhart
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Every day the 366th Security Forces Squadron works hard to keep the base safe and running smoothly.

"Whether it is guarding assets, controlling entry to the installation, a special event or a distinguished visitor that requires extra security or a construction project that requires traffic control, we take part in every facet of what takes place on MHAFB," said Capt Keith Quick, 366th Security Forces Squadron commander.

With a mission to provide integrated defense and law enforcement for the base and develop highly-trained security forces Airmen to support deployed contingency operations; security forces personnel are required to accomplish hundreds of hours of training each year.

"Our training consists of maintaining our weapons qualifications, knowing and properly conducting law enforcement duties on base, Light Detection and Ranging systems, Radar certifications, expandable baton training, pepper spray training and utilization, and proper uses for the Military Working Dogs," said Tech Sgt. Heath Hinton, 366th Security Forces Squadron bravo flight chief. "We also do training on a daily basis to ensure our troops are capable of responding to any type of situation that may arise not only here but in a war time deployment setting."

"We train to guarantee that we understand our mission and how important it is," said Senior Airman Kurt Cornwell 366th Security Forces Squadron patrolman.

This training is essential to preparing combat-ready Airmen. The 366th SFS deployments are typically 179 days in length since the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

"Deploying as an Airman with security forces is beneficial because there are many specialty schools we attend in order to acquire the necessary skills needed for each deployment," said Sergeant Hinton.

In a deployed setting, some security forces Airmen provide base defense and law enforcement much like their duties on home station; yet, Airmen must be proficient at accomplishing these tasks under a higher threat environment.

"Next time it takes you a little longer to get through the gate, don't get too upset. Just know that extra time is being put into ensuring the safety of our Gunfighter family."