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Future Mission Prompts Security Forces Training

  • Published
  • By Airman Justin Andras
  • 110th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
It has been less than a week, and the 110th Airlift Wing is already preparing for a new future.

February 2013, the 110th Airlift Wing was instructed they would receive a new Remotely Piloted Aircraft mission. The wing has been awaiting news on an additional mission for Battle Creek's proud airmen. Last week the wing received the results of the Intra-theater Airlift Working Group's recommendations to the Secretary of the Air Force on intra-theater airlift force structure. It was understood by wing leadership, through these results, that the RPA mission for the MQ-9 Reaper would be the sole addition for the wing.

National news outlets have spotlighted current events surrounding the operations and purpose of a mission of this nature. In response to the heightened national exposure and increased public awareness, groups have assembled protests at chosen locations. Recent protesting has occurred at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, NY.

There have been more than 300 protesters every other week at Hancock Field, said Tech. Sgt. Joshua Rance, member of the Security Forces Squadron here.

As the 110th Airlift Wing's airmen adjust to the expectations and preparations of the new mission, the Security Forces Squadron prepares for such outside opposition.

Preparation for events of this kind is nothing new for Battle Creek's defenders. The Security Forces Squadron has recently completed a civil disturbance course to ensure that the 110th Airlift Wing is properly protected and protesters are not causing unrest.

Currently there are no operational RPA bases in the state of Michigan, said Rance.

Since the 110th Airlift Wing will be one of the first to operate an RPA, the Security Forces Squadron will be prepared for the organized assemblies.

The role of the armed forces is to allow peaceful demonstrations and rallies to be conducted outside base gates, assuming base operations aren't being hindered. The 110th Airlift Wing's defenders have a specific focus.

"We are here to protect state resources," said Rance. "We have proprietary jurisdiction and act as land owners."

The 110th Airlift Wing is committed to the community, its people and those defending them. Above all else the base will allow legal events to occur that do not endanger the welfare of Battle Creek residents, 110th Airlift Wing personnel and visitors from other communities and groups.