Charleston staff sergeant manages force protection support for Southwest Asia security forces unit

Photo By Master Sgt. Jenifer Calhoun | Staff Sgt. Quintara Wright, security forces craftsman with the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, participates in a security forces exercise at a non-disclosed base in Southwest Asia, Feb. 20. The 380th ESFS is in charge of protecting and providing security for billions of dollars of deployed Air Forces assets and more than 1,900 deployed personnel. Wright is deployed from the 628th Security Forces Squadron at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., and her hometown areas are Cleveland, Miss., and South Bend, Ind.  

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04.13.2010

Story by Senior Airman Jenifer Calhoun 

380th Air Expeditionary Wing

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Force protection for a deployed installation takes on many roles. For Staff Sgt. Quintara Wright, that includes managing the Defense Biometric Identification System.

"DBIDS a force protection program to manage installation access via the use of biometric identification and barcode technology in order to significantly reduce terrorist activity, counter insurgency and the insider threat," said Wright, who is deployed from the 628th Security Forces Squadron at Joint Base Charleston, S.C. "This program utilizes a computer-based, client-server system in which each installation's DBIDS system captures an individual's biographical and biometric data."

Whether it's managing DBIDS or providing security at an entry control point, Wright 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 as a security force Airman.

Security forces Airmen like Wright receive a host of specialized training to complete their deployed mission. According to his Air Force job description, Wright 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 that includes controlling and securing terrain inside and outside military installations.

A typical day at work for Wright 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 his deployed duties.

"As security forces, we control the installation gates, we know weapon systems, provide resource security, law enforcement, investigations and military working dogs," Wright said. "That being said, we are a big asset to the deployed environment. Security forces are important all over the world, especially on everything we've got going on now. I am the NCO in charge of DBIDS, but if at any time they need me to do something different, I am right there to be in the fight with my other security forces members."

In addition to defending personnel, equipment and resources from hostile forces, security forces members like Wright 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 Wright 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.

In joining the military seven years ago, Wright said she not only has a family history of military service but also has family who continue to serve along with her. Her hometown areas are Cleveland, Miss., and South Bend, Ind.

"My father is a retired chief warrant officer in the Marine Corps and my sister is a master sergeant who is stationed at the Pentagon," Wright said. "So I'm proud to be following their footsteps. I'm also proud of how my family has showed me that they can achieve anything being in the military, including my mother as a military spouse."

Wright added that it is her family who continue to inspire her to do her best.

"My personal influences are my father foremost, my mother and my sister," she said. "Without them, I wouldn't have accomplished all the things that I have done and will continue to accomplish."

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: 04.13.2010
• Date Posted: 04.13.2010 00:38
• Story ID: 48046
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)