Active duty, Guard units train, deploy together

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nicholas Benroth
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  In 2009, two security forces units from different states came together to train and deploy as one. These bonds grew and led to the current partnership between the the 820th Base Defense Group and 105th Security Forces Squadron, stationed in Stewart Air National Guard Base, N.Y.

"We have a partnership with the 820th BDG and part of the arrangement has us sending members to deploy with them," said Lt. Col. John Chianese, 105th SFS commander. "Our squadron was chosen to support the 820th BDG with manpower and any help we can."

The 105th SFS was picked out of four units to help the base defense group meet their manpower requirements they need for deployments.

When a squadron from the 820th BDG is tasked, the 105th SFS will deploy Airmen with their active duty brothers and sisters.

"The 105th SFS is our sister unit and will deploy when we deploy," said Tech. Sgt. Garret Brown, 820th BDG NCO in charge of training. "They send a 30-member group with us to train and deploy, which lets us spread our manpower elsewhere to wherever the mission needs."

The partnership relies on each unit to be on the same level of training.

The 105th SFS visits Moody a few times a year to participate in and learn from the training that's going on and keep the bonds strong between the units.

"In order for us to deploy with them we have to emulate their training that's why we visit Moody and they visit us," said Colonel Chianese. "This makes for a great partnership and I hope we can continue this for a long time."

The 820th BDG is scheduled to travel to Stewart Air National Guard Base later this year to see if the training being done there by the 105th SFS meets the group's expectations.

The 105th SFS currently has members deployed with units of the 820th BDG and will be further strengthening the bond by sending more Airmen with an upcoming deployment.