Renovation for 91SFG campers

by Senior Airman Malia Jenkins
5th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

2/9/2015 - MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D.  -- The 91st Security Forces Group recently began refurbishing their campers, used by security forces members to provide security to maintenance teams.

"It adds to morale because you know going out into the field it's going to be clean for you to sleep in, and it puts you in a better mood," said Senior Airman Sean Schoonover, 791st Missile Security Forces security escort team guard.

"We go out and provide security when maintenance members are working or if an alarm won't or can't reset," Schoonover said. "We provide security to that site until the alarms can be fixed, and we are out there for up to 72 hours at a time sitting in the camper."

The group began the cleaning process because of the feedback they received from the personnel who used the equipment on a daily basis who requested improvements they felt the equipment needed, said Staff Sgt. Conrad Schenck, 91st SFG NCO in charge of the vehicle control center. 

"That's definitely the goal, to have clean, serviceable gear," Schenck added. "Leadership has definitely used what the 20th Air Force has given them in the best way possible. I know with the troops, whenever everything works properly, they tend to have a better result."

With the teams being out in the field for up to 72 hours at a time, they are awake for 12 hours to ensure the site is secure.

It's important to ensure one gets a good night's rest in the back of that camper and that it's clean, quiet and peaceful, Schoonover said.

"Having that operational where you can cook your food, have a meal and your own personal time to get ready for that 12-hour shift is important so you can stay focused on the mission," Schoonover added. "I've heard people talking about it, and now people are like 'I'm actually going to go out and volunteer for campers now.'"

"The improvements are definitely things people are excited about, and I know the model defender gear is another thing they are really looking forward to," Schenck said. "It'll give them more peace of mind when they're out there, and they'll be able to blend in a little better while out there. Plus seven layers will make it a little warmer."

Providing command and control for three squadrons, the 91st SFG ensures security forces members are trained, organized and equipped to secure approximately 150 Minuteman III missiles and launch facilities, and 15 missile alert facilities geographically separated throughout 8,500 square miles of the missile complex.

"The operations tempo here is definitely high. It's a mission that has to get done and there's not always enough people to do it, but the people who are getting it done are getting it done in a very efficient and effective way," Schenck said.