NSE tests Defenders

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Chad Warren
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Members of the 2nd Security Forces Squadron played a vital role in a training scenario on the flightline here June 26.

The scenario, part of a Nuclear Surety Exercise, tested the team's ability to defend and recover a B-52H Stratofortress loaded with strategic weapons against a terrorist attack and takeover.

Exercises such as this ensure Team Barksdale is ready to perform at its best in the event of a real-world situation.

"It's important to practice the wartime mission, to establish that muscle memory," said Tech. Sgt. Willie Johnson, 2 SFS.

Training for the nuclear security mission is even more vital, added Johnson, since it's a priority for Air Force Global Strike Command and the Air Force.

In order to protect these strategic assets, security forces personnel must undergo advanced training and qualification procedures. Members must be screened and tested to ensure only the highest caliber Airmen are trusted with the security of these items, according to Kenneth Webb, 2 SFS senior exercise evaluation team member.

"The requirements are greatly enhanced," he said. "Each flight goes through block training every quarter, and they also have a specific flight training plan where they go over specific nuclear weapons security."

Although several units are subject to evaluation during an exercise, evaluators hold 2 SFS personnel to a higher standard as a result of their role in nuclear security. There are no partial scores given during this scenario; either the team successfully completes the mission or not, Webb added.

"We are looking to make sure they use the proper tactics, cover and concealment, fire control orders and things of that nature to make sure they can properly engage any adversary," he said. "Our scale is a 'go' or 'no-go'. There are no other levels."

While most installations tend to have one major exercise and graded inspection per year, the NSE is one of several major exercises Team Barksdale will undergo this year, making it one of the busiest bases in the Air Force.