Air National Guard stands up its largest Security Forces Squadron

U.S. Air Force Capt. James Slaton, 91st Security Support Squadron, explains the correct way to inspect a missile site to Staff Sgt. Martin L. Waller, 119th Security Forces Squadron, August 3, 2007. The missile field security forces training site is located at the Minot Air Force Base,N.D. (USAF photo/SMSgt. David Lipp)

Staff Sgt. Martin L. Waller, foreground, and Senior Airman Jennifer M. Goulet, both of the 119th Security Forces Squadron, take a defensive posture during a simulated intruder exercise at a missile field security forces training site at the Minot Air Force Base, N.D., August 3, 2007. (USAF photo/SMSgt. David Lipp)

Air National Guard stands up its largest Security Forces Squadron

Staff Sgt. Martin L. Waller, 119th Security Forces Squadron, left, challenges simulated intruder, Capt. James Slaton, of the 91st Security Support Squadron, at a Minot Air Force Base missile field security forces training site as Senior Airman Jennifer M. Goulet, of the 119th Security Forces Squadron, provides over-watch support. (USAF photo/SMSgt. David Lipp)

Air National Guard stands up its largest Security Forces Squadron

Published Aug. 23, 2007
By Technical Sgt. Samantha J. Clarke
119th Services Flight

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- The Air National Guard Security Forces, Detachment 2, is well underway with the stand up of a new mission at Minot Air Force Base, S.D. The detachment is prepared to have their first Unit Training Assembly in October.

Detachment 2 is the largest Security Forces squadron in the Air National Guard. The detachment will be officially designated the 219th Security Forces Squadron in fiscal year 2008 with Major Tad J. Schauer as the detachment commander.

Maj. Schauer and Chief Master Sgt. James E. Gibson are managing the hiring for the full-time and traditional guardsman positions. Sixteen full-time personnel and six traditional guardsmen have been hired. In addition, approximately six temporary active duty ANG members have been hired. The detachment will employ approximately 60 full-time personnel and 80 part-time traditional guardsmen.

The primary mission of the detachment is to provide Space Command with a surge force capability during heightened operational requirements. This major achievement has paved the way to train, organize and equip the traditional component inherent to any National Guard unit anywhere in the world.

"Most members were excited to undertake a unique and challenging mission," said Captain Kit W. Allen, Det. 2 Operations Officer.

After working side by side with active duty, we have realized that the capabilities and opportunities available are unlimited, explained Maj. Schauer. "Our active duty counterparts are just as excited to work with us and have excelled at providing us support in order to accomplish all aspects of the mission."

The city of Minot and Minot AFB have welcomed the detachment as a new member to their communities.