Squadrons support SFS with augmentees

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class David Owsianka
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  In today's Air Force it can be difficult to relinquish an Airman from a unit. But in some cases, it's got to be done.

The 56th Security Forces Squadron augmentation duty program at Luke Air Force Base is one of those cases where Airmen are needed to provide security.

According to Staff Sgt. Michael Dicicco, 56th SFS trainer and augmentee coordinator, the program involves Airmen from various Luke units joining the 56th SFS to help provide security.

When augmentees are needed, SFS will notify squadrons one to two months in advance.

"After an Airman is selected, they will come to us for training prior to starting their time with us," Dicicco said. If it's their first time with SFS, they receive the five-day training course. If it's their second time, they will get the two-day refresher course.

The courses cover the fundamental requirements that enable the Airmen to be effective augmentees.

They cover areas such as operation procedures, self defense, law enforcement, flight line procedures, baton and handcuff use, and the Air Force and Department of Defense forms required for SFS.

"I enjoyed being able to do the hands-on training, instead of the typical death-by-PowerPoint," said Airman 1st Class Richard O'Connor, 309th Aircraft Maintenance Unit phase personnel. "It gave me the knowledge and tools to be a defender."

Once the augmentees join a flight, they are gate sentries for that flight for the duration of their time in SFS.

The augmentee program not only gives Airmen the opportunity to learn about another career field, it helps SFS complete their mission.

"Having augmentees is very helpful," Dicicco said. "We benefit a lot from it, because it gives us the bodies we need to help us maintain the manpower necessary to keep Luke safe."