Detection is the Key to Integrated Defense

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Steven Bliss
  • 736th Security Forces Squadron
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  Integrated defense has three philosophies to enabling success: every Airman is a sensor; technology enables detection, delays threats and allows assessment; and response forces use modern tactics to defeat threats to our personnel and resources. 

The 736th Security Forces Squadron Commando Warrior school conducts Ground Combat Skills courses and recently conducted the first Electronic Security Systems course here. GCS courses focus on ensuring Defenders understand their role as sensors and use modern tactics to respond and neutralize threats. ESS teaches Defenders to use the Tactical Automated Sensor System to detect, delay threats and assess alarms received from sensors. 

Commando Warrior is one of two approved schools outside of Air Education Training Command that can teach the ESS course and allow Defenders to gain the Special Experience Identifier associated with the course. 

"This course ensures students are ready to assume the complicated task of establishing a base level sensor program that integrates detection with assessment,"  said Capt. Devin Sproston, 736th SFS CW flight commander. "Our students receive instruction on 12 types of sensors ranging from the fence protection system to balance magnetic switches."
 
Along with placing the sensors at key locations to detect threats, students learn implementation of monitoring through Wide Area Surveillance Thermal Imagers and multiple camera systems. All components are integrated into a single network through an annuciator. 

"These sensors reduce the need to have security forces or other personnel stand at avenues of approach to our critical resources or base perimeter," said Captain Sproston. "Although detection is still the duty of all Expeditionary Airmen, employing sensors ensures personnel can focus on their primary duty rather than strictly focusing on security. " 

According to Captain Sproston, Master Sgt. Paul Rodgers, Commando Warrior's operations superintendent, ensured this course met the AETC standards for conducting ESS courses. Under his tutelage, Staff Sgt. Micah Lenamond and Staff Sgt. Michael Bridgford completed the course, attended additional training at Creech AFB, Nev., and conducted the first ESS course at Andersen AFB. This course began on July 15 with 20 Defenders from six installations in the Pacific theater. 

The 80-hour course is challenging due to the volume of information provided to students and the lack of familiarity with TASS prior to attending the course. 

"The students for ESS Class 08-01 displayed good motivation and willingness to learn. Our top priority will always be to prepare students for performing their wartime tasks and my instructors met this goal with our first class," said Sergeant Rodgers. 

Commando Warrior will conduct ESS courses up to four times a year for 20 to 40 students as needed. According to Sergeant Rogers, qualified TASS administrators are in high demand in the Central Command due to the volume of sensor systems being used at all locations. 

"Graduating ESS Class 08-01 demonstrates Commando Warrior's dedication to training the men and women serving worldwide and is a step toward full operating capability for the Regional Training Center," said Captain Sproston. 

The next course is scheduled for the end of October.