128ARW Security Forces in Afghanistan

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Ryan Kuntze
  • 128ARW Public Affairs
Milwaukee, WI --  Thirty two members of the 128th Air Refueling Wing's Security Forces Squadron deployed to Afghanistan in July from here. 

The deployment constituted the single largest deployment 128th SFS has seen in recent years, said a security forces representative. 

Many of the deployed SFS personnel volunteered to go to Afghanistan, some of whom were deploying for the first time, the SFS representative said. 

The 128th SFS members have conducted a wide variety of missions. Members coordinated flight line security for Secretary of Defense Robert Gates during a September visit to Bagram Airfield. The security forces personnel also provided mobile security for aircraft, safeguarding 2,188 passengers and 842 tons of cargo as of September, said security officials. 

Mission requirements also involved training with new vehicles. A sergeant from the128th SFS coordinated and organized training with the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, said security officials. The MRAP is designed to protect U.S. servicemembers from improvised explosive devices and small arms fire. 

Some accomplishments were done on members' own time. An Airman from the 128th SFS helped to establish the Defender Association, a program that serves junior enlisted security personnel, said a security police representative. The Defender Association's goal in Afghanistan is to improve the lives of and boost the morale of 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron members. 

Other missions being accomplished by 128th SFS members include base protection, dignified visitor protection and escort, and security escort operations designed to provide off-base security to personnel. 

All deployed 128th SFS personnel are expected to return early next year.