US Army,
JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq: When the Airmen of the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Group took sole responsibility for base defense here in October, they did so with one of the Defense Department's newest armored vehicles.
The Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle, or MRAP, already is used by Air Force security forces, but never before has it been employed it on this scale.
During a Jan. 18 visit to the Space and Naval Warfare Center MRAP Facility in Charleston, S.C., Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said, “There is no failsafe measure that can prevent all loss of life and limb on this or any other battlefield. That is the brutal reality of war. But vehicles like the MRAP, combined with the right tactics, techniques and procedures, provide the best protection available against these attacks.”
Before security forces could employ the MRAPs, they had to learn how to use them. Army Chief Warrant Officer Todd Jeno, U.S. Army Tank Automotive Command MRAP program coordinator here, oversaw the training, which included driving the vehicle, operating all the interior controls and equipment and performing basic maintenance.
Soldiers and contractors conducted the training here in a 40-hour course over three days.
“They seemed a little more attentive than others,” said Mr. Jeno, referring to the Air Force security forces members who attended the class. “They've never seen this type of big vehicle, so they paid close attention and got a good grasp of everything they could.”
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“The Airmen are eager to start patrolling outside the base,” said Master Sgt. Paul Beuchat, the 532nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron's Quick Response Force assistant NCO-in-charge. “We will be controlling our battlespace and will bring a little more security for the installation. The MRAP will bring stability, security and, with the armor, safety for our people.”
“Survivability to our warfighters is what the MRAP brings to the mission,” said Master Sgt. Joseph Edwards, a vehicle maintenance manager with the 332nd ESFG. “The bottom line is that the MRAP saves lives. The same attack on a Humvee would destroy the vehicle and have the potential for fatalities. With the MRAP, the same blast might disable the vehicle, but our Airmen will come home safe.”
“It's a very good vehicle,” said Airmen 1st Class Eric Babcock, a 532nd ESFS QRF member. “It's more comfortable to drive than a Humvee, with a lot more room inside.”
Airman Babcock was one of the security forces who received the training on the MRAP and will operate it outside the wire, protecting the busiest single airfield in the DOD. He and other security forces Airmen will patrol the perimeter..
“For such a big vehicle, you can turn on a dime,” said Airman 1st Class Steven Ellis, another 532nd ESFS QRF member. “The MRAP is a very capable vehicle with numerous safety features.”
The precedent for comprehensive, combat zone base defense was set with Operation Safeside and the activation of the 1041st Security Police Squadron (Test) in July 1966. The 1041st SPS(T) became the 82nd Combat Security Police Wing in July 1967. Lt. Col. William Wise Sr. spoke at the wing's deactivation ceremony at Fort Campbell, Ky., the following year.
“(Operation Safeside) has left an impact on Air Force security operations, an impact which may not be fully recognized, felt or appreciated for many years to come,” Colonel Wise said at the ceremony. “But rest assured, an impact was made, an impact that may someday affect not only our entire career field but could well make an impression on future tactical air operations.”
“The 82nd CSPW was deactivated back in December of 1968, and now, almost 40 years later, the 332nd ESFG will carry that legacy into the future,” said Brig. Gen. Brian Bishop, the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing commander, at the 332nd ESFG activation ceremony in July.
“We've been hearing a lot about how we are making history for the Air Force and security forces,” Ellis said. “The whole history thing makes it a little more special, but we put that to the back of our mind so we get this job done.”
