Gate guards: Introduction to security forces

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Alex Martinez
  • 90th Space Wing Public Affairs
F. E. Warren AFB, Wyo. --  The safety and security of Warren is the main priority of Airmen from the 90th Security Forces Squadron. They are the troops who post at all gates and secure locations around base. With a demanding schedule and expectations set high, spending a day posted at the gates is not an easy task, whether as an everyday job or as a security forces augmentee.

"It's not as easy as it looks," said Senior Airman Patricia Fagans, 90th SFS. "There are a lot of behind-the-scenes things with the job."

Installation entry controllers, or gate guards, check identification cards and other necessary documents needed for base entry, and make sure all vehicles have updated tags and vehicle passes. Properly checking everyone thoroughly is important to the base's security.

"We are the first line of defense for the base, so it's very important to be thorough," Airman Fagans said.

With thoroughness comes inconvenience for people who don't have everything necessary to enter the base. They are turned around at the gate and told to stop at the visitor center to retrieve any documents they need for entry.

"Some people get upset when they are turned around, but we're just doing our job," Airman Fagans said.

The weather is always a factor for the gate guards. Their job of securing the base has to be done whether it's hot, cold, snowing or raining.

"Dealing with the weather is a tough part of this job," said Airman 1st Class Patrick Klein, 90th SFS. "Standing in negative degree weather for hours at a time isn't an ideal time for me."

Weather conditions aren't the only things the gate guards have to face. With the lack of manning in the squadron, there are limited options for the Airmen when the traffic flow becomes almost overwhelming during high traffic times.

The Security Forces Augmentee program introduces Airmen from other careers to security forces jobs, and it allows them to become more familiar with security forces training. Many security forces members are pleased with the program.

"I love the program; I'm all for it. It helps our manning and gives people insight to our job. The augmentees leave their on-the-job training with a whole different perspective of us," Airman Fagans said.

"The program is good stuff," Airman Klein said. "They are the backup in case of a fast deployment."

As visitors and workers come and go everyday, they pass by the gate guards who battle the elements and defend our entry points and provide visitors to Warren a fantastic first impression.