Laughlin airman first class, Blacksburg native, provides force protection, security for deployed wing

Photo By Master Sgt. Jenifer Calhoun | Airman 1st Class Matthew Smith, security forces journeyman with the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, participates in security forces training at a non-disclosed base in Southwest Asia, April 14. Smith is deployed from the 47th Security Forces Squadron at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, and his hometown is Blacksburg, Va.  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

04.15.2010

Story by Senior Airman Jenifer Calhoun 

380th Air Expeditionary Wing

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Airman 1st Matthew Smith is a security forces journeyman with the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron at a non-disclosed base here.

Smith is deployed from the 47th Security Forces Squadron at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, and his hometown is Blacksburg, Va.

As a security forces Airman, Smith supports all security and force protection efforts for a deployed wing of more than 1,900 people and for billions of dollars worth of Air Force equipment and assets.

Security forces Airmen like Smith receive a host of specialized training to complete their deployed mission. According to his Air Force job description, Smith is required to be able to lead, manage, supervise and perform force protection duties to include the use of deadly force to protect personnel and resources. He's also required to perform air base defense functions contributing to the force protection mission which includes controlling and securing terrain inside and outside military installations.

A typical day at work for Smith includes wearing the latest in "battle rattle." This can include the latest in protective armor and combat-ready gear. Additionally, he'll carry a loaded M-4 rifle, and possibly an M-9 pistol, in carrying out her deployed duties.

In addition to doing his job of defending personnel, equipment and resources from hostile forces, security forces members like Smith are capable of operating in various field environments and can perform individual and team patrol movements. Those movements include mounted and dismounted patrols, tactical drills, battle procedures, convoys, military operations other than war, antiterrorism duties and other special duties, according to the official job description.

Furthermore, security forces are able to operate communications equipment, vehicles, intrusion detection equipment, crew-served weapons and other special purpose equipment. As first responders, security forces like Smith can also apply self-aid buddy care and other life-saving procedures at accident and disaster scenes. With law enforcement, security forces are capable to apprehend and detain suspects, search persons and property, secures crime and incident scenes, and collect, seize and preserve evidence.

The 380th ESFS is a sub-unit of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing. The wing is home to the KC-10 Extender, U-2 Dragon Lady, E-3 Sentry and RQ-4 Global Hawk aircraft. The wing is comprised of four groups and 12 squadrons and the wing's deployed mission includes air refueling, surveillance and reconnaissance in support of overseas contingency operations in Southwest Asia. The 380th AEW supports operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.

• Date Taken: 04.15.2010
• Date Posted: 04.15.2010 01:48
• Story ID: 48163
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)