D-M’s subject matter experts work together to enhance base security

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Josh Slavin
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  With millions of dollars worth of assets, the Air Force is constantly at risk from threats locally and around the world. Recently, a group of 30 D-M subject matter experts got together and spent two weeks discussing the base's assets, vulnerabilities, priorities and risk management strategies.

"Do you lock your car on base?" asked Master Sgt. Kurt Lugar, 355th Security Forces Squadron. "Yes, because it is your personal asset and you don't want your stuff stolen. The bases populace doesn't depend on Security Forces to secure their personal belongings. However, Integrated Defense depends on everyone taking ownership and protecting their resources". True, it's a reasonable answer to say there are always Security Forces Airmen on patrol, but that doesn't mean all the cars on base are under constant surveillance, does it? And that's exactly the point. So why wouldn't you secure your work assets if you secure your personal belongings? "That's what we're here to address."

The two weeks consisted of defensive planning and identifying assets throughout the base. In total, 30 SMEs, representing 17 agencies, including the 355th Fighter Wing, 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) and other tenant units came together to work this project.

"This was a great opportunity for everyone to network and learn what happens around base," Lugar said. "Especially those who rarely have the opportunity to work outside their unit. It gives us a chance to see how other units protect their facilities, tools, people and learn from each other".

One advantage D-M had over other ACC bases was preparation. Lugar started planning for this training in January. "It was a tremendous help having Kurt start preparing when he did," said Danny Stover, Senior Security Analyst. "We were able to start implementing the defense plans while we were here rather than after we left like most bases."

Units have direct control over assets and understand their value. They can better explain the importance of those assets and consequence if lost. Once assets are rack and stacked for the unit, the SMEs combine the installation assets and re-rack and stack. This process allows senior leaders to leverage our finite resources, produce effects-based Integrated Defense and risk management strategies for the installation.