All weather defender

by Senior Airman Stephanie Morris
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

2/10/2015 - MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Cold, harsh and unforgiving are a few words that describe Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, during the winter months.

For those who work outdoors in these conditions, learning to adapt and overcome is just part of the job description. Working outdoors under the cover of night only compounds the frigid environment.

Senior Airman Sergio Romo, 5th Security Forces Squadron law enforcement patrolman, is all too familiar with the challenges posed by nighttime winter conditions.

"Winter here in the northern tier can only be described as an unforgiving force that is sometimes disguised as a gentle creature," Romo said. "You never know what you're going to get. But one thing is for sure, when you're working a 12-to 14-hour mid shift out in the weapons storage area, winter is always unforgiving."

Romo's day begins at approximately 1 p.m. when he wakes up and goes to the gym. By 3 p.m., he is preparing to head in to work. When much of the base is preparing to go home, Romo and his teammates will be patrolling the base until 7 a.m. the next morning.

After checking the duty roster to see where he will be stationed for the night, he arms up and falls in for guard mount.

In addition to the gear he needs to perform his job -- his vest, weapon and ammunition -- Romo also has to carry cold weather gear to help him endure the elements.

He explained that, although winter gear can be a lot to carry, it is a necessity for the mission at Minot.

"When it comes to packing for shift, you have to pick and choose what you carry with you in the cab of the vehicle or place in the rear of the vehicle," Romo said. "If you're on a four-man fire team, it makes it that much harder. Not only is it your gear, but also everyone else's gear plus the gunner's 240 machine gun and all his ammo."

As a security forces member, Romo doesn't get the opportunity for a standard lunch break, which adds another piece of equipment for him to pack carefully.

Though the elements can be difficult, Romo explained that having a good group of people around you makes all the difference.

"I've worked in very cold climates for the past six-plus years, so I've had my fair share of cold weather experience," said Staff Sgt. Colin Vessels, 5th Security Forces Squadron assistant NCO in charge of personnel reliability program. "Now that I'm working an office job, I am truly grateful that there are persevering NCOs out there that are able to take my spot and afford me this opportunity."

After securing his equipment and posting out with his teammates for the night, the real battle with the conditions begins.

Being unprepared for the elements can be more than just uncomfortable, Romo explained. At temperatures ranging from negative 10 to negative 40 before factoring in the wind chill, not having an essential piece of cold weather gear can lead to serious injuries and third-degree frostbite.

"The average snowfall on Minot in the winter is 43 inches with an average low temperature of eleven degrees," said Senior Airman Mark Bidegain, 5th Opperations Support Squadron weather forecaster. "However, our lowest recorded temperature was negative 40 before wind-chill."

Winter at Minot is not something to underestimate, Romo said. That's why the security forces squadron consistently briefs defenders on wearing proper cold weather gear to avoid dangerous situations.

Airmen in Romo's squadron are posted to several locations on base during the night, including the weapons storage area, the front gate and the flightline.

"The flightline during the winter is like nothing I've ever seen before," Romo said.

The flightline often turns into a massive blanket of snow as far as the eye can see with B-52H Stratofortresses coated in layers of frost, Romo said. Drifts of snow are everywhere, and though they may seem only a few inches deep, they are actually several feet.

"You can never really grasp how crazy this weather can be unless you've been out there," Romo said.

Master Sgt. Richard Martin, 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron first sergeant said he has noticed few Airmen are outside in the elements as often as maintainers, with the exception of security forces.

"While it's easy to lose sight of the true impact Defenders have on our installation, it does not go unnoticed," Martin said. "Their presence alone deters threats meant to damage our ability to execute the mission.  I'm reminded of their sacrifice daily as my Airmen can focus on their mission knowing a Defender's watchful eye is nearby."


Though the conditions are difficult, Romo explained that he has been able to pick up tricks to overcoming them. He stated a good way to overcome the weather is to buy one's own thermals from the store, in addition to thermal issued by the squadron, and a uniform one size bigger to wear them under. Another helpful trick he has picked up is to put hand warmers inside his gloves and boots to keep his extremities from becoming too cold.

He also said there are some challenges unique to only certain Airmen.

"I found out that if I wear a face mask my glasses fog up almost immediately when I walk into a building," Romo said. "The trick is to keep the mask just under my nose. It'll end up a little chapped but it's nothing lotion can't fix, and at least I'll be able to see."

Though proper gear and techniques to stay warm are extremely important, Romo explained that the biggest thing for beating the winter cold is having a good team around you.

Romo stated that though his job can be difficult during the colder months he is filled with a huge sense of pride knowing that he and the other defenders are making their base and their country a safer place.