First-Ever ANG Defender: Guardsman certified as off-base convoy commander

by Airman 1st Class Lauren Pitts
Minot AFB Public Affairs

3/21/2014 - MINOT, N.D. - -- As the Air Force aims for more total force integration, for the first time, an Air National Guardsman was certified to perform the duties of a convoy commander within a missile complex.

Capt. Greg Goodman, 219th Security Forces Squadron operations officer, made Air Force history by becoming certified as a convoy commander in early March.

After serving three years in the U.S. Army, Goodman earned a degree in criminal justice from the University of North Dakota where he joined the Air National Guard. He later obtained the rank of Master Sgt. before commissioning. Working in conjunction with Minot Air Force Base's 91st Security Forces Group, Goodman served as a flight commander during his training.

"We have been building that respect and relationship with the Wing and its leadership, and we've always had good relations with the security forces group here," said Goodman, a Grand Forks, N.D., native. "This just seemed like the next logical step."

Once Goodman was nominated for the position by his squadron, he began the standard training program, which is the same for every convoy commander regardless of whether the candidate is National Guard or active-duty.

While in training, Goodman participated in a ride-along program for both exercises and operational missions involving convoys. It was this type of shadowing that gave him the hands on experience needed before taking charge.

"Capt. Goodman's training, certification, and standardization evaluation process to become a convoy commander was exactly identical to his active duty counterparts," said Col. Kevin Cullen, 91st SFG commander, who describes the event as a perfect example of total force integration.

"Every convoy that goes out, regardless of what day it is, that is the most important thing happening in the state of North Dakota at that time," explained Cullen. "Capt. Goodman is now one of only three individuals entrusted with the responsibilities of a convoy commander."

Although Goodman is now responsible for some of the key elements to his nation's security, he added, he is not letting the added responsibility deter him from completing each mission, stating that the extra expectations just come with the job.

"Any time you talk about first-evers or one-of-a-kinds, there's always a little more pressure," said Goodman. "There's always going be a certain amount of pressure and stress to make sure the mission runs as perfectly as possible, because it is just that important."

To have a successful mission, the commander must act much like a conductor of an orchestra, coordinating a collective effort, said Cullen.

"There are a lot of different organizations involved, lots of parts and pieces," Cullen explained. "They all have to become synchronized to have a perfect, successful mission."

Goodman's certification is an example of guardsmen and reservists performing more critical roles in Air Force missions, said Cullen. In this position, Goodman is bridging the gap between active duty and National Guard missions, and has begun paving the way towards the Air Force's goal of more total force integration.

"This has a tremendous effect on total force integration," Cullen said. "This is just another example of that, but probably the most prominent position as well as the one with the most responsibility."

As the 91st SFG and the 219th SFS continue to strengthen their teamwork, Goodman continues to train and gain the experience and knowledge, ensuring every mission is a success, added Cullen.

"Certification is a beginning, not an end." Goodman said. "It is constant improvement, constant learning, and constant gaining experience."