Security forces defenders continue deployment training

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CAMP SHELBY, Miss. -- --  With more than three weeks of training behind them, Airmen with the 366th Security Forces Squadron at Mountain Home Air Force Base continued to hone their warfighting skills while preparing for combat duty in Iraq.

The squadron recently sent 13 members to the 47-day training course with another 10 expected to finish the training in coming weeks.

An initial team led by Staff Sgt. James Zientek will run military vehicle convoys out of Camp Bucca, Iraq, while a second group headed up by Tech. Sgt. Clint Scritchfield arrives shortly afterward.

"While our [security forces] defenders have made Camp Bucca their 'second home' since 9/11, running convoys is a new mission for the squadron and will certainly bring them into the storm's path," said Capt. Eric Carlson, 366th SFS. "President Andrew Jackson once said, 'I was born for a storm, and a calm does not suit me.' Perhaps no quote sums up our mentality better than this."

The course covers a variety of conventional and unconventional combat skills, including convoy improvised explosive device detection, convoy escort familiarization, convoy night weapons firing, advanced combat lifesaver first aid, foreign language classes and cultural familiarization. Some of these students view this training as a welcome break from the monotony of detainee operations many of them saw in recent years, according to the captain.

For people like Senior Airman Erin Profitt and Airman 1st Class Collin Everson, this enhanced level training is an eye-opening experience. Both Airmen conducted detainee operations at Camp Bucca on two previous deployments.

Meanwhile, Airman 1st Class Jonathan White and Airman 1st Class Matthew Courtois represent the other end of the experience spectrum, according to Captain Carlson. Both arrived on station from initial security forces technical training less than 21 days before packing their deployment bags for the first time.

"It's business as usual for these professional Airmen," the captain said. "Overall, this is the youngest team that our security forces squadron has sent out. But don't let their age or rank fool you, though. This is a team of proven leaders."

Among these proven leaders is Sergeant Zientek, a former air base defense instructor. Others with leadership experience include Staff Sgt. Brandy Singleton, who recently captured the distinguished graduate award from the base's Airman Leadership School, and Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Howard, an ALS leadership award winner.

"I never grow tired of seeing the determination and dedication to mission in the eyes of my Gunslingers," said Maj. Matthew Boschert, 366th SFS commander. "I am the luckiest commander in the Air Force to be able to lead men and women that have maintained this operations tempo and rarely peep their discontent. I thank each and every one of them, to include their families, for the daily sacrifices involved with serving during time of war."

By the end of August, this combined team will meet up with 39 other security forces troops already conducting detainee and convoy missions.

"Together, the 52 security forces members will count down the days until they return home from two months of training and six months of 'boots on the ground' in Iraq," Captain Carlson said.