Tactical Response Force earns professional team award Published Sept. 28, 2006 By Tech. Sgt. Andeelynn Fifrick 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Light. Lean. Lethal. Fast. These four simple words capture the spirit and intent of Malmstrom's Tactical Response Force. Recently named the 341st Space Wing's 2005 Team of the Year, the 741st Missile Security Forces Squadron Tactical Response Force broke new ground for 20th Air Force, developing tactical response force initial operations capability requirements. "The award validates all the hard work and effort each of our Airmen puts forth every day and it also shows that others appreciate and respect the new and emerging capabilities this team brings to the fight," said Lt. Col. Frank Schaddelee, 741st Missile Security Forces Squadron commander. "And they are getting even better with time." While the 40th Helicopter Squadron was not specifically named in the team's recognition, both the security forces members and operators understand how they fit together in the logistics puzzle that is missile security. "The teamwork between 'cops and ops' is a great example of synergy," Colonel Schaddelee said. "These operators are just as much a part of the TRF as the security forces personnel they stand ready to transport to the fight." TRF personnel are on flight orders as operation support flyers and receive training from the 40th HS. Originally named the Airborne Security Flight in January 2004, the team of specialized warriors was redesignated as the TRF in October 2005 with the mission of providing immediate response to neutralize threats to resources, conduct recapture and recovery operations for resources, and hostage rescue and recovery. In 2005, the TRF provided 3,841 hours of airborne security, supported 177 convoys, 963 launch facility security missions, responded to 25 alarm situations, and deployed 28 Airmen in support of Road Warrior IV and Mighty Guardian VIII. "Every TRF member understands their physical fitness, weapon proficiency, team and individual tactics along with esprit-de-corps are keys to success in this line of work," said 1st Lt. Jeffery Morgan, TRF officer-in-charge. "That is why we train so hard. This training is our tool to ensure we can go into any situation ready, both physically and mentally. More importantly, training is what's going to save our lives." TRF members train both individually and as a team on close quarters battle, recapture tactics for response to launch facility, missile alert facility and weapon storage area situations, as well as high risk situations in on-base facilities. "The mission of TRF and some of the training is extremely dangerous," said Master Sgt. Ben Nentwig, TRF flight sergeant. "Repetitious training is very valuable to the TRF members because it builds 'muscle memory,' which is necessary to perform in this environment." While the TRF members can be seen training across the base, they are also selected to attend specialized training courses throughout the country. Some of this training includes: Special Reaction Team Training Phase I (Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.), Tactical Explosive Entry School (West Memphis, Tenn.), Close Precision Engagement Course (Camp Robinson, Ark.), Defensive Tactics Course and Ground Fighting Course (Great Falls, Mont.) and Road Warrior and Mighty Guardian. "The camaraderie and team work among the TRF members is awesome, to say the least," said Sergeant Nentwig. "Whether we are flying missions or stacked outside a building in a high risk situation, we act as one." "The TRF members work together as a team to help secure America's resources and provide a secure environment for military members and their families," Lieutenant Morgan said. "The TRF is just one tool the commander has that is very effective and will only become more lethal in time." As this young team hones its warfighter skills, these elite warriors will continue to train and take the fight to the enemy.