An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

News Search

Behind the Scenes: 20th SFS Defenders for a day

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tabatha Zarrella and Staff Sgt. Laura Valentine
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Editor's Note: This is part two of a year-long series on members of the 20th Fighter Wing leadership shadowing Airmen of Team Shaw spending a day walking in their shoes, learning and experiencing Airmen's jobs. (If any members of the 20th FW have a job idea for future 'Behind the Scenes' jobs, please contact 20th FW/PA @ 895-2019)

As the man in charge of 8,000 personnel and the U.S. Air Force's premier F-16 Fighting Falcon wing, commander Col. Stephen Jost fulfills many roles on a day-to-day basis. His leadership, decision making skills, and confidence are called upon daily to make the 20th Fighter Wing run smoothly and efficiently.

Jost has been commander at Shaw AFB for nearly six months and has served in the Air Force for 20 years as a Fighting Falcon pilot, trading in his typical responsibilities for a day spent with the 20th Security Forces Squadron, he was able to recently experience the varied duties of a security forces Airman.

Going "Behind the Scenes" offered a rare opportunity for the commander to understand the roles of Airmen who ensure the safety and security of the installation.

"I'm so interested in the shadowing program because one of the most important things I do as a leader is advocate for our Airmen," said Jost. "I can do that best by investing the time necessary to 'walk in their shoes,' to hear their concerns and hopefully better understand their challenges. In the end, I want them to have all they need to do their very important work to the best of their ability."

Beginning the day by "gearing-up" with approximately 20 pounds of gear, worn at all times, and standing in formation for guardmount, Jost quickly assimilated as a security forces "Defender."

Seeing the wing commander walk into the squadron and form-up for guardmount was inspiring and helped him gain respect amongst the Airmen, said Airman 1st Class Tyler Frazier, 20th SFS entry controller.  

Jost officially began his 12-hour shift as an entry controller, checking ID cards at the main gate to ensure only authorized individuals gained access to base, and making temporary visitor's passes at the visitor control center.

"I definitely surprised some folks," he said. "Some didn't know what to think about their wing commander being at the gate checking ID's. Being the first impression for people coming onto base really makes a difference."

As an essential security measure performed at each gate, Jost assisted in conducting random vehicle inspections at the gate on Highway 441 with the support of a military working dog team.

"We had a K-9 unit out there with us so it was interesting seeing how that process worked," he said.

Learning the inspection process, Jost saw first-hand how security actions would be performed in the event of increased force protection measures on the installation.

Patrolling the flightline further gave Jost insight as to exactly how the 82 Fighting Falcons worth approximately $172.2 billion, are guarded.

"Our mission to provide combat-ready air power and Airmen to meet any challenge, anytime and anywhere would not be possible without the umbrella of security our brave and vigilant Defenders provide," said Jost. "They are quite simply the key mission enabler for every unit that calls Shaw AFB home."

After searching commercial vehicles at the "search pit," Jost had experienced the highlight of his day - visiting the MWD kennels to participate in an aggression demonstration. Happily donning the bite-suit, Jost was pursued and taken down by MWD Jony.

"My favorite part was visiting the K-9 unit," he said with an enthusiastic smile. "I've always had a place in my heart for animals, and I've always liked the relationship between handlers and their K-9. It's pretty special."

From using radar enforcement to ensure roadway safety, performing an installation perimeter check, and observing Taser and pepper spray training, Jost was able to complete his shift after experiencing what enlisted Defenders perform 24/7.

"It shows true leadership," said Frazier. "He's not only telling people what to do but he's being a follower."

Through the newly implemented "Behind the Scenes" job shadowing practice, wing leadership has begun to create working relationships with the very Airmen who keep the mission running.

Chief Master Sgt. Charles Mills, 20th FW command chief, recently shadowed Airmen at the 20th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron to better understand the role of a tactical aircraft maintainer.

"I think the number-one benefit of this program is that it proves to our Airmen that their senior leaders on base care, because we do very much," Jost began. "Second, it provides the opportunity for us to tell every Airman that who they are and what they do is important. I strongly believe genuine care and purpose are two of the most important things I can help impart on all Airmen, so their Air Force experience, particularly while assigned to Shaw AFB, is as rich and fulfilling as possible."