SFG brings nuclear security into 21st century

  • Published
  • By 341st Security Support Squadron personnel
  • 341st Security Support Squadron commander
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  "Sir, I am going to try and get that round peg into that square hole."

Those were the words Maj. Joseph Musacchia, 341st Security Support Squadron commander, spoke to Col. Steve Asher, 341st Security Forces Group commander, approximately six months ago. The two were discussing how to employ several thousands of dollars in security technology that was purchased by Headquarters Air Force and given to the 341 Space Wing.

About three years ago, Headquarters Air Force was able to procure nearly $351.7 million of commercial off-the-shelf security enhancement technology for use by the security forces through out the Air Force. The vast majority of the equipment was purchased for installations with flying missions, but some of the equipment had potential application for 20th Air Force units. Air Force Space Command acquired two key pieces of equipment: the man portable surveillance target acquisition radar and wide area surveillance thermal imager.

Prior to using the equipment around 20th Air Force-specific resources, the equipment had to undergo a rigorous testing and certification process. After receiving approval to use it, how to do so was the issue.

"I was aware of the equipment purchase from my previous assignment as a staff officer at PACAF and immediately began thinking of how it could be used in 20th Air Force when I was notified of my selection as commander of the SSPTS," said Major Musacchia. "After coordinating with Lt. Col. Frank Schaddelee, we soon realized the technology would greatly enhance the detection capability to the security forces while protecting our resources during periods of maintenance."

The two squadrons immediately formed a Tiger Team of officers, senior noncommissioned officers, NCOs and Airmen to start putting together a plan. After sending several NCOs and Airmen through initial training on the equipment, a plan was developed for implementation.

Staff Sgt. William Blado, NCOIC of camper security, along with Airman 1st Class Matthew Burke, 741st Missile Security Forces Squadron, and Senior Airman William Coffee, 341st SSPTS, were appointed team leaders and developed a concept of operations. Their work was soon recognized and Sergeant Blado was invited by AFSPC to "teach his CONOPS" to the other units in 20th Air Force for possible implementation.
The 741st MSFS employed this technology several weeks ago and made the 341st Space Wing the first in 20th Air Force to use the equipment in real world security operations.

"Depending on the terrain, this equipment allows the security forces to detect and fix anyone or anything up to 25 miles away from our location while we defend our resources that are under maintenance," said Sergeant Blado. Used in combination, the equipment allows for radar location, thermal image detection, closed circuit television visual assessment and acoustic verification of any target around the resources. The implementation was so successful that the team is exploring use in other areas of the wing.

"With this technology being employed in our complex, we truly have the capability of realizing the vision of the security forces of 'Detect First, See First and Act First,'" said Major Mussachia. "We are no longer waiting for the adversary to bring the fight to us, but we now can bring the fight to the adversary and nuclear security into the 21st century."