Team provides planning, protocol, protection to distinguished visitors

Courtesy Photo | Staff Sgt. Robert A. Mesa, Joint Visitors Bureau, keeps a watchful eye peeled as he scans for any possible threats while guarding Chief Master Sgt, Curtis L. Brownhill, Command Chief Master Sgt. of Central Command.  

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

08.29.2005

Courtesy Story

DVIDS Hub       

By Army Sgt. Benjamin T. Donde
117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

KABUL, Afghanistan -- Most visitors bureau offices handle the infinite details involved with planning and executing a visit from a distinguished visitor. The Combined Forces Command-Afghanistan's Joint Visitors Bureau takes DV protocol to the next level -- they're combat protocol.

"A lot of the DVs don't come with their own protective services detail," said Maj. Robert Kurtz, CFC-A JVB commander. "We become the close protection team for that visitor."

Once they receive notification of a planned DV visit, his team springs into action.

Officers in the JVB take care of the typical planning and logistics such as transportation, lodging and briefings, Kurtz said. The enlisted staff focuses on DV security.

Five of the 10 members went through a 15-day PSD training course at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., where they learned how to establish security formations, conduct a motorcade, protect a DV, perform surveillance and counter surveillance and more.

"The course taught us to think differently from learning to shoot on the battlefield," said Kurtz. "Now we basically become a bullet sponge."

In their security planning, the NCOs play out every possible scenario that could happen while out with a DV.

"We have to go through all the "what ifs,"" said Army Sgt. 1st Class Jose A. Perez-Santiago, NCOIC of the JVB.

Each morning, they receive intelligence reports to make them aware possible dangers, said Perez-Santiago. Intel in hand, the NCOs recon their routes, set up safe havens and alternate travel plans to address every possible emergency.

"Once our motorcade is together, nobody gets in it," said Perez-Santiago. "If we get that DV from point A to point B without incident, we have done our jobs."

"It's a very challenging job and our day is never done," said Kurtz. Half of Kurtz's team is posted with the Washington National Guard's 144th Liaison Team. The rest came from various units.

In their first 80 days on the ground here, Kurtz's cadre has managed 478 guests in more than 70 visits to the combined joint operational area.

It's a task they take seriously.

"We are dealing with VIP's lives. We are responsible for them," said Perez-Santiago.

• Date Taken: 08.29.2005
• Date Posted: 08.29.2005 15:31
• Story ID: 2859
• Location: KABUL, AF