IDS embodies “Peace through Vigilance”

  • Published
  • By Capt. Jeff M. Nagan
  • 5th Communication Squadron
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Minot Air Force Base is responsible for two legs of the nuclear triad, providing nuclear deterrence for the nation and its allies. Airmen are at the core of the mission, maintaining the safety and security for America's most powerful weapon systems. One group of Airmen does that every day, but they aren't security forces--they are specialized Airmen of the 5th Communications Squadron.

The Airmen of the intrusion detection systems work center are responsible for maintaining hundreds of security sensors and cameras in and around the Air Force's largest weapon storage area.

"I can think of no more important job than protecting America's most powerful weapons," said Master Sgt. Kyle A. Topp, NCO in charge, IDS. "We do a lot of work. It's very busy, but it's also very rewarding."

The sensors the IDS team routinely maintains are capable of detecting movement near the fences or within the structures of the WSA. On the perimeter, whenever a sensor detects an anomaly, cameras turn toward the area and alert security personnel who quickly respond.

"By having an 11-man shop, we save security forces manning," Topp said, who hails from Marshall, Michigan. "Without the security systems we maintain, they would have to continually man the fence and watch for possible intruders. That's a big reason the security forces Airmen appreciate us. They know without our maintenance, they would have to work a whole lot harder."

The team's workload is multidimensional, Topp added. In addition to cameras and sensors, IDS also maintains the electronic and mechanical systems for the remotely operated machine-gun located on platforms throughout the compound.

The team also maintains the closed telephone network within the WSA.

"We know what we do is important," said Airman 1st Class Jacob R. Plume, IDS technician. "We care for the largest security system on base protecting some of the most powerful assets. This job will be the most important job I'll do as an Airman."

Due to the sensitive nature of their job, each member of IDS is in the personnel reliability program, a selective system that ensures the highest degree of trustworthiness, conduct, behavior and responsibility.

"We have a higher responsibility to the Air Force--that's where PRP comes in," Topp said. "If we make a mistake, it could create a vulnerability, which could be detrimental to the security of the WSA."

To further prevent mistakes, IDS uses the two-person concept, where one Airman performs the task while another observes, Topp added. Despite IDS having 11 Airmen, there are only five teams; with at least one on-call at all hours.

"This past winter, when my wife was eight-months pregnant, I was only home after work for only a few minutes when I got called back in," Plume recalled. "We had to replace complicated electronics on the outer perimeter. We were freezing like popsicles, having to take breaks every 10 minutes to melt. It took a long time. And that was after a duty day, working a lot of hours with little sleep. I came home completely exhausted."

The elements pose the greatest challenge, Topp said. Some of the sensors are sensitive to the Minot's dramatic weather in both the summer and winter months. Additionally, snow can block or disrupt some equipment.

"Trudging around in snow, knee-deep in (30 below zero) wind chill can be a challenge," Plume said, who is originally from St. Louis, Missouri.

For serious disruptions, IDS must respond in as little as one hour, keeping in mind that the job requires two people, Plume added.

"To meet the response time, we just come in, grab and go," Plume said. "It's a rushed process, but we get used to it. It's high-tempo, fast-paced. It's just something we do."