Personal security keeps VIPs safe

AFGHANISTAN

04.21.2012

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Monique LaRouche 

Regional Command Southwest

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Rounds are flying down range making holes in the paper. Weapons drills are important to maintain because the commanding general’s security depends on it. One Marine steps off the range as the call comes in, the boss has just landed and he departs the range to meet him.

Cpl. Joel Arreola, personal security for Regional Command Southwest, does more than just escort the commanding general and deputy commanding general on missions.

He travels with them to important meetings, visiting villages and elders throughout RC (SW). Along with the protection of the generals, he also guards other VIPs who visit the area including the Secretary of Defense and many three and four star generals. He is constantly training and preparing to protect the battlefield leaders.

Arreola, a native of Fresno, Calif., likes what he is doing out here supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Arreola said he feels blessed to work for Maj. Gen. Charles Gurganus, RC (SW) commanding general.

This is Arreola’s first deployment and he is getting a firsthand look into the general’s life. He is his shadow when going out on missions. He flies in helicopters, travels in convoys and escorts him when visiting the local Afghans.

“It has its benefits,” said Arreola. “I get to travel.”

Recently, Arreola, normally a military policeman, recently went on a convoy to another area of operations and said there was no danger in sight.

“There is always security around him and our job is to protect him,” he said.

His modest attitude and devotion is apparent. When he returns to the range, his friends give him high-fives. Arreola picks up the training where he left off and continues without falter. As the sun sets and the dust clouds pick up, he moves to the firing line and takes the commands from the range officer.

“He is a dedicated member of the team,” said Gunnery Sgt. Bradley Driver, officer in charge for PSD.

The personal security team attends Combat Marksmanship Program and between missions performs detailed drills, switching up scenarios to keep their skills on point.

The training allows Arreola and the other personal security members to work together. They get to know each other’s personalities. By running through the drills over and over, they become more familiar and comfortable with their weapons and with each other. They train as they fight and are serious about the mission. As the range officer called out the evolutions, Arreola transitions from small arms to his M4 seamlessly and confidently hits the target.

Arreola has been in the military for almost four years and it is time to re-enlist. Arreola is grateful for his military knowledge and his tactical skills.

“The experience the military gives you, you can use in any part of life,” said Arreola. “I take the positives out of it.”

Arreola would like to go to college. His knowledge of government and politics is extensive. He is undecided if he is going to remain in the law enforcement field. When not at work, Arreola enjoys going to the gym and reading.

Whatever Arreola decides to do after the military, he will succeed. He was selected from his unit for this position. His positive attitude and determination is exclusive. His professionalism and sense of humor is an asset. He plans on staying in California because that is his home. He’s a father and a husband. The hardest part of this yearlong deployment is missing his 4-year-old daughter, he said.

• Date Taken: 04.21.2012
• Date Posted: 04.21.2012 10:10
• Story ID: 87127
• Location: AF
• Hometown: FRESNO, CA, US