Guard squadron dispatches first Drill Status Guardsman into missile fields

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Cory Smith
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  An Airman from the 219th Security Forces Squadron of the 119th Wing, North Dakota Air National Guard became part of history as he was the first Drill Status Guardsman or Traditional Guardsman deployed into missile fields here in July.

Airman 1st Class Travis Brown of the 219th SFS, had the unique privilege of becoming the first Traditional Guardsman PRP certified airman to deploy into the missile field.

Airman Brown, a Mandan, N.D. native, was excited to be part of the momentous event.

"It is an exhilarating feeling," Airman Brown said. "Having the feeling at the end of the day that you're part of a team that is protecting America's top resources is a great opportunity."

Traditional guardsmen are part-time Air Guard members who typically serve one weekend a month, two weeks a year.

The milestone of putting Drill Status Guardsman Airmen into the missile fields was made possible when the unit received Headquarters Air Force approval of their Personal Reliability Program for Traditional Guardsman in June of this year.

One of the hurdles was getting Airman Brown on PRP status.

The PRP is a stringent program designed to ensure the highest possible standards of individual reliability in personnel performing duties involving nonconventional weapons.

"PRP is a Total Force Integration (TFI) is not only used during wartime tasking, but also to support the number one priority of the Air Force, the Nuclear Enterprise," said Tech. Sgt. Jim Haygood Personal Reliability Program noncommissioned officer in charge. "It's significant because the Air National Guard has not had any Drill Status Guardsman PRP certified in more than 30 years. Airman 1st Class Brown can say that he was the first Drill Status Air National Guard member to be PRP certified. That's pretty significant. He's doing a great job and understands the importance of his duties under the Personnel Reliability Program."

Dedication to their mission is something Airman Brown and all guardsmen take very seriously. 

"The 219 SFS is the largest Security Forces unit in the Air National Guard," said Sergeant Haygood. "We are proud to do our part by providing only the most reliable people in support of the nuclear mission. This is an awesome responsibility."

Lt. Col. Tad Schauer, 219th SFS commander, was particularly proud of Airman Brown and said, "I have full confidence in Airman Brown and his ability to perform with the utmost professionalism."

"This is a Total Force initiative that without the full support and commitment of 'Team Minot' we would not be able to put anyone out in the field," said Colonel Schauer.