Local Security Forces Civilian Defender Graduates from FBI National Academy

Schriever SFB, CO - On October 5, 2023, the 50th Security Forces Squadron announced that Mr. Allan C. Sacdalan, Deputy Director, has graduated as a member of the 287th session of the FBI National Academy. The graduation took place at the National Academy in Quantico, Virginia on September 14th, 2023.  Mr. Sacdalan is the first Civilian Defender in the squadron and in the Air Force Security Forces Civilian Career Field’s history to complete this prestigious program. Nationally, fewer than one percent of law enforcement officers have the opportunity to attend the program.

Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy offers ten weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training. Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend. On average, these officers have 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.

The 287th session consisted of one hundred and ninety-nine law enforcement officers from 46 states and the District of Columbia. The class included members of law enforcement agencies from 21 countries, four military organizations, and three federal civilian organizations. FBI Director Christopher Asher Wray delivered remarks at the ceremony.

“The opportunity to attend the FBI National Academy is an incredible accomplishment in and of itself for any Security Forces Defender.  Mr. Sacdalan also has the privilege of being an elite few civilian members of the Air Force to be selected to attend this prestigious course and absolutely crushed it!  We could not be prouder of him as well as look forward the insight and knowledge to more effectively operate with our inter-agency partners Allan brings back to the Fightin’ 5-0!  These skill sets are incredibly important to the fabric of base defense and law enforcement operations protecting the epicenter of space operations at Schriever and the greater Front Range area” Major Dayne Foote, 50th Security Forces Commander.

Mr. Sacdalan is the unit’s Deputy Director and Department of the Air Force Civilian Police Program Manager.  He expertly directs and manages an integrated active-duty security force and civilian police of 220 personnel.  He exercises personnel management activities (hiring, performance appraisals, awards, pay and leave, training and resources) and establishes, develops, and maintains effective working relationships with nine agencies.  Mr. Sacdalan is a retired Security Forces Commander.

About the 50th Security Forces Squadron:
The squadron protects 34 protection-level resources and more than 8,000 military and civilian personnel assigned to Schriever AFB. The 50th SFS provides physical security, force protection measures and law enforcement services and assists commanders in maintaining good order and discipline. It monitors physical security programs supporting 12 Geographically Separated Units. The squadron also mobilizes security forces supporting higher headquarters and national objectives.

About the FBI National Academy:
FBI Academy instructors, special agents, and other staff with advanced degrees provide the training; many instructors are recognized internationally in their fields. Since 1972, National Academy students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia, which accredits many of the courses offered. A total of 54,565 graduates have completed the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935. The National Academy is held at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, the same facility where the FBI trains its new special agents and intelligence analysts.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

General Officer Announcement

On 27 October 2023 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced today that the president has made the following nomination:

Air Force Brig. Gen. Thomas P. Sherman for appointment to the grade of major general.  Sherman is currently serving as the director, Security Forces, Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C

On 5 December 2023 -- Brig. Gen. Thomas P. Sherman was promoted to Major General! Congrats Defender ... well done!!!!

Maxwell Air Force Base personnel and family members gathered on 27 September 2023 to unveil a memorial plaque honoring the memory and contributions of Lt. Col. Brian Copper, Jr.  Maxwell will be building a new Commercial Vehicle Inspection gate that will bear Copper’s name. Copper, who passed away in 2020 while on active duty, was a previous commander of the 42d Security Forces Squadron at Maxwell. He went on to serve at the Air Staff where he contributed to the largest modification of Security Forces training in more than 20 years. (US Air Force photo by Melanie Rodgers Cox)

(Left to right) Judith Copper, Brian Copper, Sr., Col. Ryan Richardson, Maj. Brent Luch, Chief Master Sgt. Kerry Thompson, and Tabatha Copper unveil the memorial plaque honoring the memory and contributions of Lt. Col. Brian Copper, Jr., Sep. 27, 2023.

Defender Family,

At the end of August, I had the opportunity to share my thoughts on the current threat landscape and the future direction for the career field at the 2023 SF Worldwide Symposium. We thank all involved for supporting, briefing, attending, and engaging in the Worldwide. It was a tremendous success because of their contributions.

Our Department of the Air Force leadership has been talking a lot about strategic competition lately. In fact, at the Air Force Association Air, Space & Cyber Conference in September, Air Force leadership spoke extensively about the topic and how it will guide our future efforts.