F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- Security forces members are highly trained to ensure the security of the installation and its assets, but to do this, they need the right equipment. More specifically, they need weapons.
Senior Airman Marvis Killingsworth, 90th Security Support Squadron armorer, works in the armory, which supplies weapons to every security forces member in the 90th Security Forces Group.
“My job is to maintain accountability of the weapons coming in and out of the armory and verify that personnel are up-to-date on their qualifications for the weapons they will be using,” said Killingsworth. “We also store personal weapons for a number of reasons. The most common scenario is Airmen who live in the dorms and aren’t allowed to store their weapons there.”
The armory operates 24/7, and the armorers work 12-hour shifts, ready to equip defenders at a moment’s notice.
“I work from midnight to noon or vice versa,” said Killingsworth. “The hours can be difficult, but I try to come in with a lot of positivity.”
Senior Airman Beryl Thomas, 90th SSPTS armory assistant NCO in charge, said Killingsworth is one of the armory’s hardest workers.
“He does a good job of training the personnel who arm up the flights,” said Thomas. “He also does a good job with weapons accountability, we have had zero discrepancies this year.”
Killingsworth said the job can be challenging and they often deal with rough feelings directed toward the armory.
“I’m motivated to ensure that the job gets done properly and that helps me deal with some of the negativity,” said Killingsworth.
Fortunately, it’s not all negative. Many security forces members realize how vital the armory is.
“The armory is efficient and effective,” said Staff Sgt. Michele Rae, 90th Security Forces Squadron installation patrolman. “They provide us with the ability to arm up and carry out the mission every day.
Killingsworth has been working in the armory for five months and said he loves the job.
“This job is rewarding because I know I work with good people and I get to interact with everyone in my career field,” said Killingsworth. “It’s nice seeing other people have high morale. I’m here for the people.”
The Mississippi native said he hopes to stay in for 20 years and continue to play a vital role in mission success regardless of what the Air Force has him do next.