Air Force Security Forces: A year in review
By, Brigadier General (s) Brian Filler, Mr. Timothy Gerald, and Chief Master Sergeant Donald Gallagher
Air Force Security Forces
WASHINGTON –
Defenders,
The Air Force once again finds itself at a critical juncture—an era of Great Power Competition (GPC) marked by a new security environment, a rapidly evolving character of war, and a formidable competitor. This new era requires understanding its challenges and the attributes needed to succeed. Embracing change is not a choice; it is a necessity. The Air Force is reoptimizing for high-end conflicts and long-term strategic competition.
This task is not new for the Security Forces career field – to be fully supporting our Air Force and Space Force operations of today, while also looking ahead at how we organize, train, and equip for the future. The Air Force focus on GPC coincides with several Defender modernization efforts that have been years in the making. We cannot rest only on these efforts coming online today; we must also look ahead at what we must set into motion for future needs. Looking ahead, the Air Force Security Forces Directorate is currently working on how we deploy, including deployment models and training; we are evaluating what weapons we deploy and the full fielding of the joint light tactical vehicle; we are investing in training to ensure that Defenders are capable and ready; and we are adapting for counter small unmanned aerial systems (C-sUAS).
Deployments: Defenders are standing post 365 days a year, 24/7, at Air and Space Force installations around the globe; the sun never sets on Security Forces. Tens of thousands of Defenders deployed across every geographic combatant command this last year – ranging from those who were separated from their homes and loved ones, Air National Guard Defenders who deployed both OCONUS as well as within our homeland for military and disaster relief missions, and our constant rotation of Defenders who routinely deploy in support of our missile complex security operations.
Gear For Life: A four-year initiative to modernize the day-to-day equipment of active-duty Defenders reached its final phase this last year with the award of a $39 million contract for state-of-the-art Defender gear. The Model Defender initiative began in June 2020 with a focus on standardizing individual gear. The Air Force Security Forces Center then developed an equipment list of 23 items, which was approved by the major commands. This resulted in a final Model Defender Individual Equipment Kit. Equipment rollout already began and is expected to be fielded to every installation soon. This is giving us a common kit across our units and operating locations as well as one that Defenders can take with them as they PCS. The Gear For Life program is going to ensure better uniformity across our force and enable better large-scale buying of additional gear items in the future.
M4A1: The career field is moving forward in transitioning Security Forces to the M4A1 carbine. The fully automatic M4A1 carbine is an upgrade to the semiautomatic M4, which only fires a three-round burst. It is equipped with a 1:6 magnification radio Direct View Optic (DVO) that improves observation, identification and target accuracy. There has been a limited fielding of DVOs so far, but deliveries are ramping up to make these accessible across the force.
Joint Light Tactical Vehicles: The JLTV is the Up-Armored High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) replacement and has started fielding in some Security Forces units in significant numbers. This new weapon system has a range of configurations. Several JLTVs in the Defender inventory are equipped with the M153 CROWS II system to better enable our members to remain safe behind armor while still maneuvering fires onto a target. This is part of the effort to modernize and enhance Defenders’ capabilities and better protect one of the nation’s most critical assets. These vehicles are fielding in nuclear security and down-range deployment missions first but will soon enter service across all of our mission sets needing armored vehicles.
MH-139 Helicopter: The MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopter is one of those initiatives that has been years in the making. The first MH-139 was delivered to Malmstrom AFB this last May and is undergoing the final phases of operational testing. This helicopter is the replacement to the UH-1N “Huey” that originally came into military service in 1970. The MH-139 will be armed for aerial gunner engagement and will transport our Security Forces Airborne Fireteams and Tactical Response Forces for our nuclear security missions. The MH-139 will eventually be our primary helicopter platform and will have squadrons throughout Air Force Global Strike Command, at the 90th Missile Wing, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, the 341st Missile Wing, Malmstrom AFB, Montana, and the 91st Missile Wing, Minot AFB, North Dakota.
Training: We are working with the headquarters Air Force about how we will align Defenders in Air Base Wings, Deployable Combat Wings, Capability Enhancement Teams, and other units of action across the new GPC paradigm. To do this well, we are working toward new training models and initiatives to ensure our members are ready for their assigned duties. One big example of this focus for the career field is the repatching of the Desert Defender training detachment as the 570th Combat Training Squadron on 5 December 2024. This unit has a rich history and will help lead our forces in our next iterations in improving training. Every Defender – whether he or she is Active Duty, Guard, Reserve, or Civilian – plays a vital and should be trained accordingly.
Counter Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-sUAS): Over the past year, Security Forces focused on the concerns for the C-sUAS threat at home and abroad. We understand the need to increase fielding of C-sUAS capability across CONUS and OCONUS installations. Security Forces is working closely with the Air Force Research Laboratory and industry to develop innovative and cutting-edge technological solutions – to combat the rapidly evolving sUAS threat to our nation’s most vital assets.
Defenders must also be adept at core base defense skills. Base defense is the foundation from which all is constructed. With the right mindset and focus, Defenders can be a combat-capable and lethal expeditionary force for 2025 and beyond.
In addition to working on the next iteration of combat capable Defenders, we continue to work other important initiatives to better develop our force and capabilities. Below are a few areas that show how the Security Forces Air Staff is working to support Defenders on the ground:
Military Working Dogs (MWD): MWDs are a critical part of the career field’s base defense capabilities. The 341st Training Squadron trained and fielded 94 dogs to Air Force squadrons. More than 2,000 MWD teams supported multiple NATO missions and engagements, the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, presidential security missions, secret service assistance, and other special guest missions. MWD teams traveled around the globe providing critical support.
Civilian Defender Program: We revamped the mentorship program to foster professional growth and networking opportunities. This will give civilian Defenders the ability to share insights and experiences as they navigate their careers.
Five Eyes (FVEY) Security Forces Exercises: Security Forces understands the importance of working with our allies and partners. Security Forces worked closely with the Five Eyes partners – Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom – to talk about interoperability, doctrine, capabilities, and participate in joint exercises, such as Operational Global Eagle.
We will enter 2025 with the same drive we had in 2024 – to ensure we are ready for the future fight.
Thank you for everything you do to support the greatest Air Force in the world! Each civilian, active duty, Guard, and reserve Defender is critical to the mission and to the greater Department of the Air Force.
