Gate sweeps ensure fitness for duty Published Dec. 22, 2009 By Laurie Arellano Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Team Minot members coming through the main gate Saturday night may have noticed a longer-than-usual line as they waited to enter base, because first sergeants were conducting a gate sweep to direct Airmen to report to the 5th Medical Group for a urinalysis inspection as part of with the 5th Staff Judge Advocate's office called Operation PrairieHawk 10A. "The gate sweep was ordered to both ensure the fitness for duty of Airmen at Minot Air Force Base and to present a visible and present deterrent to drug use," said Capt. Garret Bruening, 5th Bomb Wing Assistant Staff Judge Advocate and the officer-in-charge of the operation. Captain Bruening said gate sweeps make no distinction between Airmen, regardless of rank or duty title. "Everyone in the sweep provides a sample," he said. Captain Bruening added that inclusiveness coupled with the sudden nature of the inspection shows how serious commanders here are about ensuring Minot Airmen are fit to accomplish safe, secure, and reliable nuclear operations duties. First sergeants from both the 5th Bomb Wing and the 91st Missile Wing checked vehicles after they entered the installation and directed Airmen to the clinic for the urinalysis inspection during the gate sweep. Master Sgt. Danny Christ, 5th Comptroller Squadron and NCOIC of the operation, said everyone was cooperative and very professional during the evening. "Everyone understood," Sergeant Christ said. "Everyone did their part." Sergeant Christ said he believes drug screens are important and they have a positive impact on morale here. "It is important to let all Airmen, all ranks, know that drug use will not be tolerated in today's Air Force," he said. "It lets individuals know we are watching, and that we are catching the ones who are using drugs." Officials said the purpose of the gate sweep was strictly for drug screening, and that responsibility for detecting drunk drivers or other violations remained with the installation entry controllers throughout the event. Captain Bruening said Airmen should expect more events like the gate sweep as commanders place continued attention to compliance with standards, whether it be in work product, duty accomplishment, or personal fitness for duty. "Colonel Cox and Colonel Stoss are very keen on ensuring the right Airmen are accomplishing safe, secure, and reliable nuclear operations," he said.