(Editor's Note: National Police Week is May 9 -15. The week is set aside each year to honor all law enforcement officers – military and civilian – who have given their lives for our nation and their communities. In addition to honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, we wanted to use this month to recognize the work of security forces members within the Air Force Security Forces Center, Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center headquarters and our detachments. Like Defenders who have gone before, they are paving the way for the next generation because of the work they are doing for installations to include funding, training and equipment.)
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- Meet Master Sgt. Jason Pritchett, strategic resources manager with the Air Force Security Forces Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.
We asked him to tell us a little bit about himself and what he does to support the Air Force Defenders mission.
What are your main responsibilities?
I’m the principal advisor to all major command security forces staffs and Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center detachment staffs on personnel and equipment to support war planning and execution. I form teams to develop material solution requirements and concepts of employment to support validated security gaps and security forces flight plans. I am also the AFSFC lead for joint light tactical vehicle integration, equipment and distribution, and coordinate with Headquarters Air Force and the Air Force Life Cycle and Management Center to develop security forces requirements. I also advise on financial execution strategies based off Security Forces War Reserve Material and Unit Type Code requirements.
What is the best thing about your job?
When speaking about the best thing about my job, the saying “A jack of all trades is a master of none, but often times better than a master of one” comes to mind. From day-to-day or base-to-base, there could be any number of challenging missions to execute. Whether it be law enforcement, nuclear security, integrated base defense, air base defense, dismounted patrolling downrange, supply and logistics, personnel management or even being a resource advisor. You’re allowed to learn as many skills as you’re willing to put the time and effort in for.
As a child, what job did you want to have when you grew up?
I’ve wanted to be a cop since “cops and robbers” was the game to play in Kindergarten.
What made you pursue law enforcement as a career?
I’ve always enjoyed the frantic pace that comes with responding to a call, handling suspects, gathering evidence or statements, even the part universally despised, all the paperwork that follows. When you enjoy what you do, the career is secondary.
What is your favorite part about being an Air Force security forces member?
The peers I’ve been able to work side by side with and the members I’ve been fortunate enough to lead and see succeed.
Why is your job important to the Air Force mission?
In order for the Air Force to accomplish any mission, the members, property and resources on all installations need to be protected accordingly. Operations and maintenance need to be able to generate that sortie knowing that someone is there to watch their back on the ground. That’s where security forces slides in.
What advice do you have for someone new to the SF career field?
Learn any and everything you can. Try to be knowledgeable on more than just your day-to-day duties but any duty you might fill … become that “jack of all trades.” With that, take care of yourself and your family. When the uniform goes in to the closet for the last time, you and yours will still be there with you.
What or who motivates and inspires you the most?
I’ve had the great honor to cross paths with people like Senior Airman Peter Taub, Tech. Sgt. Jason Norton, Staff Sgt. Brian McElroy and Lt. Joseph Helton. People who gave their lives in defense of the values and ideals that should define the Air Force. I work to carry myself in honor of them and those like them.
Is there anything you would like to add?
Nothing I’d rather be doing on any given day.