One of many layers - 407TH ESFS controls, contains, communicates

Courtesy Photo | Thorough checks of vehicles and drivers make Ali Base as safe as possible for conducting coalition missions. Senior Airman Neil White takes care of part of the process. By Tech. Sgt. Paul Dean  

ALI BASE, IRAQ

10.22.2005

Courtesy Story

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By Tech. Sgt. Paul Dean
407th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs
09/30/2005

ALI BASE, Iraq -- It's not easy getting on this base, and that's the way it should be. Around-the-clock missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom are spearheaded from here thanks to the multiple layers of protection provided by the 407th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. Visitors to Ali Base arriving by road quickly find out that entry isn't easy " regardless of who or what's in the vehicle.

These layers of protection " the stopgaps preventing access to the enemy " are made up of security forces Airmen who draw on training, past experience and common sense to make sure every driver and vehicle allowed on base is authorized and cleared. Their tools include persistence, attention to detail and dedication. These Airmen provide the base with unparalleled security, while simultaneously learning about themselves and others.

The security forces Airmen protecting the base have become the face of America to a large part of the local population. And these same Airmen have come to respect and learn from those coming to the gate.

"I'm going to go home with a lot more patience and better people skills," said Senior Airman Jacob Mendow, 407th ESFS security Airman. Airman Mendow deployed from the 721st Security Forces Squadron, Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, Colo. "If nothing else, just the patience you have to have because of the language issue has taught me a lot," he added.

Airman Mendow is part of a screening team that inspects dozens of vehicles each day. The duty has exposed him to a lot of things he wasn't expecting from this deployment. "A lot of what we do is the day-to-day stuff like back in the states, but some of the things we see stick in your head and make this duty tough on you as a person."

There's a lot of poverty outside the gates of Ali Base, and it's a level far below what many Americans see, said Airman Mendow and fellow 407th ESFS security forces team member Senior Airman Neil White. Airman White is also deployed from the 721st SFS.

"This experience really makes me appreciate what I have at home. I know from what I've seen and done here that the people really want our help and appreciate what we're doing for them," Airman White said.


The human component is a large part of the security mission at Ali Base; however, the Airmen performing vehicle and driver screening are well aware of their first priority: the safety and security of the base.

As these Airmen go about their business of security it's not uncommon for poverty to show its face by way of a truck driver delivering supplies.

"A lot of the drivers coming to the base have all kinds of stuff in their trucks, Airman White said. They live in the trucks, for some of them its all they have.

Countless missions originate at Ali Base, and each successful one is in part the result of base security. Each success is a reminder that the 407th ESFS is able to secure the base, build strengthening relationships with the local population and put the "people part" in balance with what has to be done.

• Date Taken: 10.22.2005
• Date Posted: 10.22.2005 17:39
• Story ID: 3452
• Location: ALI BASE, IQ