Security forces NCO ensures safety of Air Force personnel movements

Photo By Master Sgt. Lakisha Croley | U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Christopher Manning, 386th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron security escort team section NCO in charge, is a Phoenix, Ariz. native, deployed from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Lakisha A. Croley)  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

05.11.2010

Story by Tech. Sgt. Lindsey Maurice 

386th Air Expeditionary Wing

When it comes to the protection of the U.S. Air Force's number one asset - its people - there is no higher priority.

It is for this reason that Staff Sgt. Christopher Manning, 386th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron security escort team section NCO in charge, and his counterparts are so vital to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility mission.

The NCO, a Phoenix, Ariz. native, deployed from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, and his section are responsible for providing security escort support for all mass-personnel movements traveling between secure locations within the host nation region of the AOR.

As the section lead, Manning coordinates and assigns all of the missions and organizes teams. The seven-year Air Force veteran also works as a convoy commander conducting missions with his teams regularly.

"The absolute best part of my job is to 'roll out' with my teams and watch them perform," said Manning. "I really enjoy seeing them do what they do best. I participate in the movements sometimes as convoy commander, and other times I shadow to observe. They are truly the best at what we do."

The technical sergeant select said his days start early in the AOR, with his hours often shifting based upon missions. As the NCOIC, Manning said he deals with a lot of administrative duties such as updating the reporting schedule and weekly activity reports, adjusting the work cycle based on new missions and assigning missions to team leaders. Training is also high on the NCO's radar such as routine route familiarization and battle drill training.

Since deploying here in December, Manning said he and his team have faced their share of obstacles and have worked hard to improve the section's policies and guidelines for the betterment of the unit.

"We wrote the regulations that govern this section," he said. "We've updated, revised and created many of the standard operating procedures that are used on Air Force convoys in [our host nation]."

"The most challenging part of my job is orchestrating the personnel and developing plans that reduce man-hours and increase mission effectiveness," he said. "I know that sounds cliché; however, it's the best part for me as the NCOIC. I sometimes feel like a conductor who is orchestrating a concert. My assistant NCOIC (first chair) is an equally strong leader, and all personnel assigned (musicians) play with all their heart. To say the least, the music is awe-inspiring."

The sergeant said that while working with security escort teams is quite different from his home station assignment, where he is the NCOIC of physical security and electronic security systems, the qualities it takes to be successful in the security forces career field apply to both missions.

"If you can lead and motivate airmen and NCOs alike, you will be a successful leader in security forces," he said. "This career field, like many others, depends on strong leaders to make the mission happen."

Manning said he enjoys the opportunity to lead others, but it isn't something he takes lightly. In addition to leading the security escort team section, the NCO is also president of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing 5/6 Council (a professional military organization for E-5s and E-6s) as well as the president of the 5/6 council at his home station. He is also two classes away from obtaining his bachelor's degree in military management and program acquisitions.

"I've had a great deal of opportunities to learn and lead during my career," he said. "Security forces and my leaders have ensured that I have all the tools, and 'top-cover' required to get the job done. This is what I love the most about security forces. We start leading very early in our career; consequently, we are better prepared for the challenges to come."

Now serving on his first deployment, Manning said he is trying to make the most of the experience and learn as much as possible.

"This has been a great learning experience for me," he said. "I promote in a couple of months and am currently serving in a technical sergeant position. Over the past several months here, I've had my share of growing pains and on the job training that I know will only help me in the future as a leader. I'm no stranger to convoys or supervising; but this operations tempo has taught me a lot about operations management."

As his time in the AOR is starting to wind down, the 25-year-old said there has been one constant that continues to get him through the low and high points of his time downrange - his family.

"I have seven younger siblings back home," he said. "I do my best to stay up-to-date with their latest activities in school and extracurricular activities. They mean the world to me; they keep me going during tough times. Essentially, I spend my off duty time with them. They positively charge my morale and increase my overall personal readiness."

• Date Taken: 05.11.2010
• Date Posted: 05.11.2010 06:42
• Story ID: 49469
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)