HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- The 66th Air Base Group and Air Force Life Cycle Management Center here play a vital role in the Air Force’s warfighting capabilities.
What.We.Do. spotlights the units and organizations that make up Hanscom Air Force Base.
In this edition, members of the 66th Security Forces Squadron explain how they contribute to the installation and support warfighters.
Military Working Dogs
The military working dogs program serves a unique role within security forces. Its mission is to detect and deter threats inside and outside the installation, enforce military laws and regulations, suppress illegal drug use, detect explosives, and protect the installation and resources.
Staff Sgt. Marcel Durand, a military working dog trainer, is responsible for training the dogs and handlers in the squadron.
He ensures skills, teamwork and bond are strong while preparing them for detection and patrol certifications. His role is also critical in ensuring they are ready for deployment.
“As a trainer, I think the proudest moments are seeing the progress from when a brand-new team first starts all the way to becoming a fully certified and validated team,” he said. “It's definitely the most rewarding seeing the growth between not just the handler, but the dog as well.”
Combat Arms Team
The combat arms team is another special function within the 66th Security Forces Squadron. Its primary responsibility is to ensure that Airmen are weapons-qualified for both garrison duty and deployments.
“Any service member who is carrying a firearm for duty, to work the gates or patrol, must be qualified on their weapons systems,” said Staff Sgt. Caleb Teats, a combat arms instructor. “Our job here directly impacts base defense.”
Teats emphasized the importance of consistent, standardized training and preparedness.
“It all boils down to readiness,” he said. “We're training airmen coming straight from tech school or coming from other bases, ensuring they receive the same standard of weapons training.”
Another key responsibility of the combat arms team is to conduct weapons inspections.
“We inspect weapons semiannually both at Hanscom Air Force Base, as well as across a seven-state region,” Teats said.
Investigations
The investigation team is responsible for establishing crime scenes, sketching crime scenes, crime scene photography, evidence collection, evidence handling, and criminal indexing procedures.
“Investigation is not just interviewing and interrogating, it’s a step-by-step process to gather as much info as possible,” said Investigator Philip Smith. “We work closely with local police departments, mental health, religious affairs, equal opportunity office, sexual assault and prevention and response office, and Air Force Office of Special Investigations.”
Beyond the technical aspects of an investigation, Smith discussed the people side of the work.
“It's our job to investigate crimes, but at the end of the day, we are dealing with a human being,” he said. “The most important piece is still having respect toward somebody who is probably going through a really hard time in their life.”
For more information on the 66th Security Forces Squadron, the 66th Air Base Group, or Hanscom Air Force Base, visit https://www.hanscom.af.mil/.