Protection through deterrence

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Brigitte N. Brantley
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  State-of-the-art patrol cars, alcohol-sensing flashlights and gear to deter armed intruders are at the forefront of the 23rd Security Forces Squadron's new arsenal of equipment.

Tasked with being Moody Air Force Base's defenders, the squadron's Airmen practice tactical excellence and have access to tools which make the job easier and help deter the enemy.
"We owe it to the people we serve to provide professional integrated defense and police services," said U.S. Air Force Maj. Justin Secrest, 23rd SFS commander. "We don't want anybody to believe they can do harm to Moody, so having a strong presence will deter anyone from targeting us."

Part of these professional services including being able to react to active shooter threats, something the base previously partnered with downtown agencies for. An active shooter is an armed individual who has the intent of harming or killing people around him.

"Precedence tells us the most likely threat is an insider who is acting alone for political or personal reasons," said Capt. George Hern, 23rd SFS operations officer. "In the past we had to rely on local police to respond with this equipment, but now we've got our own breaching equipment."

This includes a battering ram, sledgehammer and bolt cutters. In case of hostage negotiations, they now also have a wireless throwphone, which allows the responders to communicate with the perpetrator from a safe location.

The new patrol cars have only been in use since October and include LED lights, sirens, radar, recorded cameras and a state-of-the-art radio system. The cars are also equipped with M4 carbine weapons systems.

"Our new radar means we no longer have to be stationary to check a driver's speed limit," said Hern. "The cameras film responses, traffic stops, and anything we might want to capture on film to include suspicious vehicles. This provides us a great tool all around."

The squadron also has new equipment aimed at deterring drunken driving. In addition to conducting random DUI checkpoints, the squadron now has their own Intoxilyzer which they share with local agencies when necessary and provides legal blood alcohol content levels for processing DUIs.

Their new alcohol-sensing flashlight is so sensitive, it can even pick up if hand sanitizer was used.

"We're not trying to hide the capabilities we have," said Secrest. "We want these capabilities to provide deterrence and also confidence. We are here to secure people and resources through integrated defense.

"All of these capabilities have a role in that and we want all our stakeholders, including joint force commanders, Air Force leaders, the American people, our Air Force and security forces Airmen to have confidence in our abilities," he added.