Malmstrom's first line of defense

Airman 1st Class Ahijah Brownlee, 341st Security Forces Squadron defender, prepares to verify inbound personnel identification cards Dec. 8, 2021, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. Defenders posted at the gate are the installation's first line of defense against unauthorized personnel and contraband. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Elijah Van Zandt)

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Malmstrom's first line of defense

Airman 1st Class Ahijah Brownlee, 341st Security Forces Squadron defender, scans a Malmstrom Air Force Base personnel’s identification card Dec. 8, 2021, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. In addition to verifying I.D. cards, defenders monitor the speeds of incoming vehicles and can initiate random vehicle inspections. Enforcing base laws and regulations is paramount to the safety and security of personnel and family members on base. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Elijah Van Zandt)

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Malmstrom's first line of defense

Senior Airman Allana Cornelius, 341st Security Forces Squadron defender, scans identification cards from incoming personnel Dec. 9, 2021, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. Other than scanning IDs, defenders assist military working day handlers with random vehicle inspections and monitor the flow of traffic to ensure personnel may access the installation in a timely manner. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Elijah Van Zandt)

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Malmstrom's first line of defense

Airmen 1st Class Ashley Keith Parraga, left, and Ahijah Brownlee, 341st Security Forces Squadron defenders, pose for a photo in front of the 10th Avenue Gate Dec. 8, 2021, at Malmstrom Air Force Base Mont. Defenders post at the gate for 12-hour shifts in any weather condition as the installation's first line of defense. Defenders ensure no unauthorized personnel or contraband enter the installation, safeguarding assets and ensuring the completion of Malmstrom’s no-fail mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Elijah Van Zandt)

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Malmstrom's first line of defense

Staff Sgt. Rachel Shetler, 341st Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler and MWD Kay prepare for random vehicle inspections Dec. 8, 2021, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. Defenders use the expertise of MWD's to inspect vehicles for illegal contraband such as drugs or explosives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Elijah Van Zandt)

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Malmstrom's first line of defense

Staff Sgt. Rachel Shetler, 341st Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler and MWD Kay standby to allow vehicle passengers to open doors and compartments Dec 8, 2021, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. Security forces personnel are the first line of defense against anything unauthorized entering the installation. Malmstrom’s nuclear mission relies on defenders completing their duties successfully, including random vehicle inspections and other methods for locating illegal contraband. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Elijah Van Zandt)

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Malmstrom's first line of defense

Staff Sgt. Rachel Shetler, 341st Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler and MWD Kay conduct a random vehicle inspection Dec. 8, 2021, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. During inspections, the MWD is trained to search the vehicle for illegal substances, while the defender searches for weapons or illegal equipment. Random vehicle inspections are important to the security of Malmstrom’s mission of nuclear surety. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Elijah Van Zandt)

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Malmstrom's first line of defense

Published Jan. 20, 2022
By Airman 1st Class Elijah Van Zandt
341st Missile Wing Public Affairs

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Airman 1st Class Ahijah Brownlee, 341st Security Forces Squadron defender, prepares to verify inbound personnel identification cards Dec. 8, 2021, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. Defenders posted at the gate are the installation's first line of defense against unauthorized personnel and contraband. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Elijah Van Zandt)