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Osan Defenders man the gates

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Eunique Stevens
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The 51st Security Forces squadron, along with their Republic of Korea Air Force counterparts, is responsible for the overall security of Osan Air Base. Airmen are posted at various locations all around the perimeter of the base 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

While each post is critical, the main points of interest are the entry gates. With more than one thousand military and civilians entering the base each day, these are very high traffic areas and must be monitored.

The Airmen who work security are responsible for ensuring that no one gains entry to the installation that is not authorized.

They have to positively verify the identification of each person attempting to gain entry to the base, whether they are military, civilian contractors or dependants. The Security Forces Airmen on base also issue passes upon entry, and ensure the passes are returned when individuals depart the base.

They are also responsible for ensuring that these individuals are registered in the Defense Biometric Identification System, or BIDS. This is the system used by every installation within United States Forces Korea to identify personnel and dependants.

They also handle minor public relations issues in the event of a protest and ensure the base is protected against unauthorized entry by protestors.

The Airmen guarding the gates are not alone in their mission; they have assistance from ROKAF Security Forces, as well. USAF and ROKAF members share many of the same responsibilities.

Aside from providing extra security, ROKAF members also provide interpretation skills.

"It's really good having them here, especially when we get an individual who speaks no English at all," said Staff Sgt. Robert Haglund, 51st Security Forces Squadron. "They really help out a lot. It's truly a joint mission,"

Working together, the USAF and the ROKAF provide security for Team Osan by ensuring only authorized individuals gain entry to the base.