Force Improvement Program brings Model Defender to life

by Airman 1st Class Joshua Smoot
341st Missile Wing Public Affairs

2/20/2015 - MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Several security forces Airmen across Air Force Global Strike Command recently received a much needed military issued makeover. As part of the Force Improvement Program, the newly acquired equipment will operate as a system known as Model Defender.

The Operational Camouflage Pattern, commonly referred to as MultiCam and the uniform currently used by U.S. troops deployed to Afghanistan, was issued to members at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, Minot AFB, North Dakota, F.E. Warren AFB and Camp Guernsey, Wyoming, Feb. 2.

"One of the biggest pluses to this new uniform is that it is classed as an equipment item, so it is a zero cost uniform for our Airmen," said Tech. Sgt. David Ellingson, 341st Security Support Squadron NCO in charge of resources and logistics.

The new uniform includes all components of generation III cold-weather gear, which provides seven levels of protection against the extreme weather conditions and terrain faced in northern-tier bases. Additionally, the Model Defender roll-out includes necessary duty gear and personal protective equipment specifically redesigned for conditions found in the missile field.

"The OCP is a more practical uniform for a tactical environment," said Tech. Sgt. Billy Gaines, 741st Missile Security Forces Squadron NCO in charge of training and resources. "For example, different pocket locations allow quicker access to items and the removal of hook and loop or Velcro closures."

Additional issued duty items include daily wear boots, cold weather gloves, advanced combat optical gunsights and the installation of a vertical foregrip on the M4 carbine. The foregrip will increase stability and can convert into a bipod to improve response tactics and firing accuracy.

"After two deployments and wearing other service department uniforms, I can say that the Airman Battle Uniform is not a warfighting uniform and not the right fit for missile field duty," Gaines said.

The Model Defender operating system allows Airmen the means necessary to practice safe nuclear surety and improved physical security of the weapon system, while enabling proper command and control of all intercontinental ballistic missiles. This enables AFGSC's mission - to deter and assure with a safe, secure and effective nuclear force.

"It's important to the mission to have this kind of uniform, because it is helping the mission outside of the installation for the environment we work in," said Staff Sgt. Cody Brazelton, 741st MSFS member. "OCPs will blend in better with the woodlands and grasslands we work in whereas the ABUs stick out more, so it helps us blend into our environment."