National Police Week and the Security Forces Enterprise

A Commentary by Brig Gen Collins

The Department of the Air Force Security Forces, in conjunction with thousands of other law enforcement organizations, will pause and remember our heroes in honor of National Police Week, May 16-20, 2022.

National Police Week provides an opportunity for the community to pay special recognition to law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

As the Director of Security Forces, this week reminds me of those officers we have lost and the sacrifice that 38K Defenders, to include 5K DAF civilian Defenders, make every day to ensure the safety of the Nation and Installation at home and abroad.  These Defenders are charged with the ultimate duty to ensure the safety of others on or off duty, and I have witnessed this call to duty personally as I humbly watch the thousands of base defense, security and law enforcement responses proficiently executed across the enterprise 24/7.

Chief Master Sergeant Donald Gallagher emphasized the importance of Police Week. “Think of the word and act of sacrifice this Police Week. Never take for granted those sacrifices made daily by our Defenders and other law enforcement professionals across the country and around the globe. Whether civilian or military, the work these brave men and women do every day to protect our bases and resources is unmatched. "Defenders, these brave men and women are you!” he said. “As you stand post whether it's the frozen missile fields of Minot or the desert heat of Africa and the Middle East, know that you are not taken for granted. Your sacrifices are well known and appreciated, and there is not enough thanks we can give to recognize the work and responsibilities you take on every day. Most importantly, let us never forget our fallen that have given the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of the force and our Nation. We must always and keep them and their families in our thoughts and prayers.”

This Police Week, we honor all Defenders for their bravery, sacrifices, and dedication to the safety of others. Deputy Director of Security Forces, Timothy Gerald agreed, saying, “As we quickly approach another Police Week, its significance cannot be over emphasized. The environment for law enforcement officers is challenging at best and extremely difficult at worst. law enforcement officers’ ability to maintain their professionalism and focus on protecting the public, while facing additional scrutiny, is to be applauded. The recognition that comes with National Police Week is just a small way in which the country can say thank you to officers for the difficult and important work they do. Sadly, it is also a time to honor those officers who lost their lives doing the work they loved. Thank you for all you do.”

Brigadier General Roy Collins will also be attending the 34th Annual Candlelight Vigil, which will take place Friday, May 13th on the National Mall (between 4th and 7th Streets and Madison and Jefferson Drives) in Washington, D.C. The Candlelight Vigil starts at 8:00 pm. During Police Week, we are reminded of the importance of each Defender and thank them for all that they do to protect and uphold the mission of the United States Air Force.

At this year’s event, three of our fallen Defenders: A1C Elizabeth Jacobson, A1C LeeBernard Chavis, and SSgt Travis Griffin will be honored among 17 other fallen heroes whose names were recently added to the Memorial. The Memorial honors federal, tribal, state, and local law enforcement officers.

AFSFA Has Lost Our Mother

Dr. Lucille Y. Bullock passed at 0115 hours on 20 April 2022 in San Antonio, TX with her family surrounding her.

Anyone who was a member or knew the Air Force Security Forces Association (AFSFA) also knew Dr. Lucille Y. Bullock was the mother of our association. Her fingerprints and thoughtful touch can be found on every program and effort in the association. She and Jerry helped found a professional organization for all Air Force Defenders past and present. She was extremely proud of AFSFA and its role in caring for the Security Forces career field. For 29 years ... hers was the pleasant voice you heard when calling headquarters in San Marcos, TX. And each AFSFA National Meeting was an opportunity for more and more members and their families to meet and get to know the smile and laugh of our mother. All the board members and officers also knew that if anything was going to be printed, published or handed out it had first better clear the red pen review our chief proofreader … Lucille. Simply put, she just made us all better at every turn. Lucille was a lovely and loving mom who strengthened the heart of our association. She will be missed but she has left a lasting influence on every one of us.

The family is scheduling a Celebration of Life ceremony for 1000 hours, 30 April 2022 at the First Baptist Church of San Marcos, San Marcos, TX.

Air Force Fields New Rifle to Airmen

Published April 16, 2022

By Brian Brackens, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Public Affairs

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFNS) -- 

The Squad Designated Marksmanship Rifle is tested on a range at Robins Air Force Base, Ga., April 13, 2022. The SDMR is a semi-automatic, 7.62x51mm caliber rifle designed by Heckler & Koch for missions requiring combat over-watch with precision-fire capability to accurately engage targets up to 600 meters. (U.S. Air Force photo by Shaun Ferguson)

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Small Arms Program Office is in the final phase of delivering the Squad Designated Marksmanship Rifle, or SDMR, to units across the Air Force.

The Air Force purchased approximately 1,464 SDMRs that will be distributed across the service based on approved allowances.

The SDMR is a semi-automatic, 7.62x51mm caliber rifle designed by Heckler & Koch for missions requiring combat over-watch with precision-fire capability to accurately engage targets up to 600 meters.

The SDMR was fielded to Air Force units this year. It is a multi-role asset, set to meet multiple missions taking place around the world.

It will replace legacy M24 Sniper Weapon Systems for security forces defenders performing base defense operations in-garrison and in contingency support.

Michael Hart, the lead Small Arms Engineer is checking the Squad Designated Marksmanship Rifle's suppressor (often referred to as a “can”) external temperature after firing an Army basic combat load of 120 rounds.  Cans get hot the more rounds and the faster you shoot through them.  Michael checked the external and internal temps after each series of rounds.  (U.S. Air Force photo/Shaun Ferguson)

SDMR is lighter weight in comparison to other 7.62 platforms and will also replace the M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper Systems rifle for pararescuemen and Guardian Angels, saving them 5 pounds in gear while out on missions.

Finally, the SDMR’s precision-fire capability will be wielded by Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians to eliminate small munitions in their standoff munition disruption activities.

“We’re excited to field this incredible weapon system,” said Matthew Hamer, Small Arms Program Office lead. “Being able to field one solution that can effectively achieve multiple missions epitomizes Air Force acquisition strategies and shows Airmen ability to adapt to any situation.”