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The protectors: new integrated force

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Alexxis Pons Abascal
  • 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  *This news feature is the fifth in a series of 27th Special Operations Security Forces Squadron highlights at Cannon.

The 27th Special Operations Security Forces Squadron is scheduled to implement changes to operations at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., beginning Oct. 1.

As contracted guards are phased out, a new integrated work force will take their place offering 27 SOSFS counterparts assistance in patrol duty, law enforcement and force protection.

"When our new officers come in, we will still provide guard duty at the base and military housing entry control points, with the added responsibility of patrolling the installation and protecting our assets on the flightline," said Michael Burrell, 27 SOSFS program manager. "Hopefully our presence on base will provide more flexibility to our security forces troops and allow them to focus more on upgrade training and their critical mission."

The change from contracted guards to General Schedule positions will be seen Air Force-wide. Incoming GS officers will undergo academy training and the same initial training all 27 SOSFS members go through upon their arrival at respective duty stations before they begin patrolling.

The officers will have many of the same authorities and capabilities as security forces troops such as writing citations and detaining personnel. As an added responsibility, officers posted at the gates will be able to immediately issue citations to law violators for things like using cell phones while driving or not wearing safety belts.

"The base could not have made it through previous years without the hard work and dedication of its contracted guards," Burrell added. "This conversion is a giant leap forward, however, that will allow our civilian force to experience the entire spectrum of base operations."

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