New changes for Columbus AFB Security Forces

  • Published
  • By Sonic Johnson
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Fiscal year 2009 will bring many changes to Columbus AFB Security Forces operations. Most visible already, Security Forces Airmen have returned to the gates as Installation Entry Controllers. 

Beginning Oct 1, the security forces gate guard contract employees were converted to Department of Defense civilians. In the coming days, the new DoD civilian guards will assume these posts, with Security Forces Airmen working alongside them.
"It is good to be out to see and greet the members of the base," noted Staff Sgt. Monica Newcomb, a five-year security forces veteran. "When I first got here in 2003, I remember working the gate; it is great to be back." 

Columbus will have 27 total DoD civilian positions, with 22 of them working as patrolman and security guards. The civilians are hired through the Air Force Personnel Center and have to pass medical screening, a physical fitness test and qualify on weapons they will be using. Full up and running, the civilians will also conduct patrols with uniformed Airmen as they become fully integrated into security operations. Other than different uniforms at the gates, the changes should be transparent for the base and local community. The level of service will remain the same and no policies have changed regarding entry control. 

"Last year, Lackland AFB, Texas and Luke AFB, Ariz. converted to DoD civilians," remarked Lt. Col. Kiley Stinson, 14th Security Forces Squadron commander, "Columbus will join two additional Air Education and Training Command bases this year in the conversion and the rest of the AETC bases will follow in fiscal year 2009." 

Another change coming near the end of October will see security forces Airmen on bicycle patrols. "Bike patrols are primarily designed for better public interaction," said Col. Stinson. "Our patrols will be mostly focused in the housing areas." 

End of year funding was also secured to build new buildings at the gates. The new gate facilities will meet stricter force protection requirements and feature other quality of life improvements like overhead covers from the sun and rain and restroom facilities. One gate will be constructed at a time as the gates may have to be closed during the construction period. Traffic patterns may change during this construction, but notice will provided in advance of doing so. 

"2008 promises to be an exciting year in Security Forces at Columbus AFB," Col. Stinson said, "While the uniforms of the gate guards or gate houses may change, each BLAZE team member can still expect the same level of service and professionalism from your Security Forces members."