Travis security forces MWD handler keeps deployed base secure in Southwest Asia

Courtesy Photo | Staff Sgt. Lino Estacion, a military dog handler with the 386th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron at a non-disclosed base in Southwest Asia, takes his military working dog, Gabe, through an obstacle course July 27, as part of a routine training and exercise program. MWDs safeguard base assets and personnel by using their powerful sense of smell to detect dangers during foot patrols and other anti-terrorism tasks. Highly driven military dogs are used in patrol and drug- and explosive-detection missions. Estacion is deployed from the 60th Security Forces Squadron at Travis Air Force Base, Calif. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Laura Turner)  

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, IL, UNITED STATES

08.11.2010

Story by Master Sgt. Scott Sturkol                                                                                        

Air Mobility Command

SOUTHWEST ASIA - Staff Sgt. Lino Estacion is a military dog handler deployed with the 386th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron at a non-disclosed base here.

Estacion is deployed from Air Mobility Command's 60th Security Forces Squadron at Travis Air Force Base, Calif.

Security forces Airmen like Estacion receive a host of specialized training to complete their deployed mission. In doing his deployed job, Sgt. Valdez has worked flightline security, entry controlling to U.S.-controlled areas and base-wide patrols to name a few.

According to his Air Force job description, Estacion 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.

In addition to doing his job of defending personnel, equipment and resources from hostile forces, security forces members like Estacion 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.

A typical day at work for Valdez might include 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 his deployed duties.

Additionally, as a military working dog handler, Valdez is qualified and experienced in in specialized functions for security forces weaponry, maintaining dog handling equipment, caring for and training military working dogs, and reacting to dog alerts.

His Air Force job description also shows security forces are able to operate communications equipment, vehicles, intrusion detection equipment, crew-served weapons and other special purpose equipment. As first responders, they 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 386th Air Expeditionary Wing has a diverse mission which canvases the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, according to the wing's public web page. The 386th AEW is the primary aerial hub for Operation Iraqi Freedom and provides airlift support for Operation Enduring Freedom and the Horn of Africa. The wing is comprised of the 386th Expeditionary Maintenance, Mission Support, Medical and Operations Groups and the 387th and 586th Air Expeditionary Groups.

• Date Taken: 08.11.2010
• Date Posted: 08.11.2010 12:36
• Story ID: 54323
• Location: SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, IL, US