Flight sergeants: Pillars of law enforcement, security

by Airman 1st Class Marianique Santos
36th Wing Public Affairs

4/30/2013 - ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- ALPHA. BRAVO. CHARLIE. DELTA. Some recognize these as the first four letters of the phonetic alphabet. But for the 36th Security Forces Squadron's four flight sergeants, these are the teams of Airmen and civilians they guide to ensure protection of residents and resources on Andersen Air Force Base.

"Our flight sergeants are of extreme importance because they provide control and coordination for our security and law enforcement mission," said Capt. Stephen Zeglen, 36th SFS operations officer. "These NCOs provide guidance and leadership to accomplish our mission every hour of every day."

Flight sergeants are charged with coordinating all security and law enforcement duties for their shift and are required to be on scene for all incidents. They are in charge of command and control, determining the proper course of action and initiating response until relieved by higher authority.

"You have to have the ability to adapt to a situation, asses the scene and make a split-second decision on a positive course of action," said Tech. Sgt. Scottie Boyd, 36th SFS Law Enforcement and Security bravo flight sergeant. "You have to make sure the scene is safe for emergency responders and is blocked off from public access. It's also important that you have confidence in yourself and in the decision you make at that point in time."

The flight sergeants also have administrative responsibilities which are necessary to keep the squadron running. This includes rating enlisted performance reports, keeping track of training and providing documentation for record.

"They are not only tactically in command, they are also administratively responsible for the Airmen assigned to their flight," Zeglen said. "It is not unusual to see flight sergeants in during their days off to finishing paperwork and reports."

To qualify for a flight sergeant position, a security forces NCO must have at least six years of law enforcement experience and a critical duty certification. The certification is achieved through two months of on-the-job training and passing verbal, written and practical examinations.

"Flight sergeants are the senior members of their flights," Zeglen said. "They serve as the voices of experience and wisdom and provide mentorship to all Airmen under them. It's a huge responsibility."

With the plethora of responsibilities that range from command and control, administration and looking out for their Airmen's well-being, flight sergeants have managed to lead their teams effectively and ensure the safety of Team Andersen so Airmen can focus on the mission at hand.