SFS base defense operations center: The oracle of defense

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Andrea Posey
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
The 1st Special Operations Security Forces Squadron has one basic goal: defend the people, property and resources of the U.S. Air Force. Internationally, the base defense operations center, or BDOC, plays a primary role in achieving the security forces mission.

Two Airmen man the BDOC 24/7, one Airman is a controller and the other is an alarm monitor. These two Airmen are responsible for alarm and security systems for all base facilities, communicating with patrol Airmen and base resources, controlling radio transmissions to the tower, monitoring flight line activity and traffic control on base.

“Being in BDOC is a lot more of a command and control position,” said Staff Sgt. Randi Morris, 1 SOSFS base defense operations center controller. “It’s like a nucleus. I gather all information coming in and process activities on base.”

From the BDOC, security forces Airmen provide command and control during routine and emergency operations. BDOC controllers monitor all security and law enforcement operations with security cameras, radios and up-channeling reports to implement Force Protection Condition Alert Messages received from higher headquarters. Additionally, controllers must maintain normal, contingency and emergency security posting and monitor the National Crime Information Center and Florida Crime Information Center.

Due to the critical nature of the BDOC mission, only Airmen who have passed multiple assessments and been deemed qualified can man this station. To work in the BDOC an Airmen must complete 60 days of training, pass a quality control standardized evaluation, complete oral and practical test in weapons and exercises and correctly recite BDOC procedures and duties. An Airman must be re-assessed annually to keep this position.

“I like working in security forces and BDOC because of the level of responsibility Airmen are given even as younger Airmen,” said Senior Airmen Gregory Bryant, 1 SOSFS BDOC.

According to Tech. Sgt. Timothy Lloyd, 1st Special Operations Security Forces Squadron flight chief, BDOC controllers enable the Hurlburt Field and Air Force missions to continue as they are the central nervous system for force protection implementations, air base defense and security operations and law enforcement emergencies world-wide.