Family-like bonds strengthened on security forces training trip

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Sam King
  • 919th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
CAMP GUERNSEY, Wyo --  For the Citizen Commandos of the 919th Special Operations Security Forces Squadron, their unit is their family and being a cop in the Air Force Reserve is the greatest job an Airman can have.

Recently, more than 20 of the squadron's Airmen deployed here for their two-week annual tour.  During the temporary duty, the Airmen stayed together in the field in cots and tents in the Western wilderness.   Although the trip was for military training, the atmosphere was very much like a family camping trip.

Almost everyone spoke of the sense of family and camaraderie within the squadron and that being here would only deepen those affections.

"It's a great feeling being out here with my team," said Senior Airman Aaron Bradley, a civilian firefighter from Navarre, Fla.  "I was very exciting about the prospect of camping out."

Bradley said he joined the Air Force to follow in his father's footsteps.  His father, a retired master sergeant, was an active-duty helicopter crew chief at Hurlburt Field, Fla.

A relatively new reservist, Staff Sgt. Jared Lawrence, said he wanted to continue being an Air Force cop as well as trying out civilian life after separating from active duty.

"From day one, I wanted to be a cop in the Air Force," said the wildland firefighter from Tallahassee, Fla. " You get to see and do so much.  I just wanted to keep that going." 

Lawrence said the family dynamic stems from the unit always being together and the team-mentality involved with their constant training.

"One weekend a month, two weeks a year, we get to hang out with our family," said Lawrence.  "We're constantly training in the woods from setting up firing positions, digging fox holes or firing down range."

Another new reservist, Senior Airman Amanda Smith, said she savored the time with the group and the new environment here.  A reservist for only two years, Smith said she chose security forces to challenge herself and move beyond her comfort zone.

"I saw it as a great opportunity," said the Destin, Florida dog groomer.  "I didn't think I could do it and here I am."

Smith said she enjoys the sense of community she feels within her unit and also being a part of something bigger than herself.

For these defenders, the chance to escape their civilian lives for a time and gear up as a highly kinetic special operations unit is the powerful motivator that drives them.

"This is not everyday life," said Lawrence while holding an M-16, wearing a flak jacket and carrying an M-9 pistol on his leg.  "Every time we're together, we're doing something cool.  It gives me something to look forward to each month."