Airman Leads Security Forces Team
(January 25, 2010) |
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Air Force Staff Sgt. LeTari Myles watches over the flightline in the early
morning hours at a base in Southwest Asia, Jan. 18, 2010. |
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SOUTHWEST ASIA, Jan. 22, 2010 – Air Force
security forces have to be ready for a response
at moment's notice. Known as "defenders" to many
in the Air Force community, Air Force Staff Sgt.
LeTari Myles and other security forces airmen
are ready to take action when called upon.
"Along with my fellow security forces, [I]
provide security for all U.S. military
resources, equipment and people at our deployed
location," said Myles, who serves as a security
forces response team leader with the 380th
Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. "We have
to provide an immediate armed response to all
situations affecting the protection level
resources we have."
A seven-year veteran of the Air Force and the |
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security forces career field, Myles said he knows the importance of keeping
nearly 1,900 people safe along with protecting millions of dollars of equipment,
aircraft and assets. |
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Being a "defender" takes a high volume of training and
knowledge in weaponry, laws, directives and programs,
policies and procedures governing security forces
activities. That knowledge further breaks down into being
fluent on installation security, anti-terrorism, law
enforcement and investigations and air base defense.
"In short, my career field provides a first line of
defense," the Detroit native said.
Deployed from the 43rd Security Forces Squadron at Pope Air
Force Base, N.C., Myles said the longer he serves in the
military, the more appreciation he has for his fellow
security forces airmen and other servicemembers. "I'm
enjoying serving in the U.S. military, and I have grown to
love, accept and respect my job," he said.
Myles added that he knows deploying is "something that comes
with the job."
"I knew that before I joined the Air Force," he said.
"Deploying has been easy to me.” He credited his family's
support and understanding for that.
Even knowing he had to leave family behind to deploy, the
staff sergeant said the time away offers an opportunity to
meet new people and more.
"When you deploy, it's hard to leave your family, but you
meet and become close with new people who become your
extended family," he said. "The military has taught me a
lot, and I have gained a lot from the military."
The 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, as a part
of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, supports operations
Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and the Combined Joint
Task Force Horn of Africa. The wing's mission includes air
refueling, surveillance and reconnaissance in support of
contingency operations in Southwest Asia. | |
Article and photo by
USAF TSgt. Scott T. Sturkol
380th Air Expeditionary Wing public affairs office
Special to American Forces Press Service
Copyright 2010
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