American Airmen receive German badge

Published March 7, 2008
By Senior Airman Jarrett Sainz
702nd Munitions Support Squadron

BUECHEL AIR BASE, Germany -- The dedication and hard work of two Airmen stationed at the 702nd Munitions Support Squadron on Buechel Air Base, Germany, was recognized in a unique way Feb. 28, 2008.

Staff Sgt. Seth P. Stinnett and Senior Airman Jarrett J. Sainz were awarded the German Air Force Security Forces Function Badge in bronze by German Air Force Maj. Harold Karpf, commander of the Sicherungstaffel S, Security Forces Squadron, assigned to the 33rd Fighter/Bomber Wing at Buechel AB. The recognition was just another example of the close working relationships between two countries that exist on this small base with a large mission.

The mission of the 702th MUNSS is to, "Defend, Maintain and Employ US Weapons in a vital NATO Strike mission." While there is a substantial American presence on the base, functions like security and other main base tasks are left to the Germans. This in turn has led to the formation of unique teams comprised of Germans and Americans working in concert to achieve mission goals. In this case, the Eagle Team, specifically Sergeant Stinnett and Airman Sainz, have been singled out for their accomplishments.

The Eagle Team is a combined American/German Security Squad that performs duties equivalent to that of an Emergency Services Team. All members of the team are trained on small arms, anti armor and anti bunker weaponry, in addition to being trained on each others weapon systems. This training is accomplished through regular training temporary duties to German and American military installations around Germany. It is the accumulation of these training courses and time spent on the team that has led to these Airmen receiving this honor, the Sicherungstruppe -- German air force SF Function badge. The requirements for the award in bronze are the completion of German air force Security Forces training of basic infantry skills (i.e. firearms training, basic tactics), a minimum of one year in a Security Squadron and the rank of NCO (or equivalent) and higher.

It's a credit to these Airmen and the USAF that their professionalism and commitment inspires foreign militaries to recognize them as they would their own service members. The positive relationship that has grown between two militaries in 50 years is underscored by events like these.