Air Force Security Forces Complete Tour In Iraq

Photo By Capt. Amy Bishop | Staff Sgt. Ryan Sobecki, 28th Security Forces Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. has his picture taken with the unit's sign, which is posted on Contingency Operating Base Speicher near Tikrit, Iraq.  

TIKRIT, IRAQ

07.12.2006

Story by Sgt. Waine Haley 

133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

by Sgt. Waine D. Haley, 133rd MPAD

TIKRIT, Iraq (July12, 2006) " For the last six months Contingency Operating Base Speicher has been kept safe and secure by the outstanding work of Air Force Security Forces.

Detachment 1, 732nd Expeditionary Mission Support Group, has maintained security on COB Speicher under the command of the 101st Airborne Division.

The 1/732nd EMSG is comprised of Airmen from five different installations around the Air Force: Ellsworth AFB, S.D., Robins AFB, Ga., Cannon AFB, N.M., Tinker AFB, Okla., and Utah Air National Guard.

"In the last six months we've improved the living conditions on the base," said Capt. Sascha Archie, operations officer, 28th Security Forces Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. and a Huntsville, Ala., native.

Archie goes on to say he believes the base is a safer place to live and work because people know there will be law enforcement presence on the base.

The Security Force was instrumental in the process of conducting investigations on the base. When a unit appoints an investigating officer for an incident, they may not know all the rules of the law, how to properly question a suspected Soldier, what their rights are or how to obtain search authorizations.

By conducting the investigations, they free up top non-commissioned officers and commanders so that they may concentrate on other important tasks.

"We provide the first sergeants and commanders with a nice little package," Archie said. "All they have to do is decide what the disciplinary actions will be ... if there is a negative outcome."

The Security Force also worked with the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Department and 101st Airborne Division's intelligence department to put a stop to the stealing and selling of U.S. government property on the base.

The investigation started with a suspected local national selling illegal cell phones and alcohol on the base. That led to multiple arrests and the confiscation of over $200,000 worth of property and cash.

"The break-up of the ring of people, who [were] stealing from the government and in essence the American people, was the biggest thing we've done on our six month rotation," Archie said.

These are just a few things the Air Forces Security Forces have done since the middle of January 2006. Their six-month tour of duty ends in the coming weeks.

"Being part of Speicher's SF is a gratifying part of my military career," said Air Force Staff Sgt. Mike Brunt, Detachment 1-732nd ESMG, Utah Air National Guard. "I'm looking forward to getting back home but it's been great, being part of Iraq's rebuilding process -- even if it is, in an indirect way."

• Date Taken: 07.12.2006
• Date Posted: 07.12.2006 11:48
• Story ID: 7177
• Location: TIKRIT, IQ