Col. Holt discusses how security is vital to mission success

  • Published
  • By Deidre Ortiz
  • AEDC/PA
ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, TENN. --  Col. Warner Holt with the Tennessee Army National Guard provided attendees with a unique perspective on security at the AEDC Security Fair held April 30-May 2 at the Main Auditorium.

Warner also works at AEDC as the Logistics and CE Deputy Branch Manager for ATA.

Holt started by recognizing all AEDC personnel for doing their part to ensure warfighters overseas are kept safe.

"Security is key to mission success," he said. "Your contribution to national security is important, especially to the warfighter."

Though AEDC personnel may not be aware of their impact, Holt explained protecting information and paying attention when something "just doesn't look right" is essential. He added these efforts are a significant part of AEDC and its mission, which is exemplified in the vision statements of AEDC Commander, Col. Raymond Toth, "We must continue to maintain and improve...the capabilities critical to our customers...," and ATA General Manager Steve Pearson, "ATA will be a trusted partner in delivering best value warfighter support and asset stewardship to AEDC."

Holt, who has 31 years of military service, commented he knows firsthand how security is of special importance to the men and women serving overseas.

In order to be successful in combat, Holt stated good communications and security and defense are the top two necessities, along with intelligence, medical support and fire support, both from the air and ground. He mentioned air support is where AEDC's role in security comes into play.

"The fire support AEDC is most focused on providing is referred to as Close Air Support (CAS), which is delivered by the many combat air platforms we test and support here," he said.

Having been on the ground in Afghanistan during one of his tours overseas, Holt said CAS was a "saving grace" to him and his fellow soldiers.

He explained in February 2006 his team's mission changed in Afghanistan and troops were sent to Sangin in Helmand province, known for being a dangerous area, to restore security there. Several casualties occurred while there, but according to Holt, the number of soldiers killed in action would have been much higher if not for the CAS they received.

Holt asked everyone in attendance at the event not to take their work for granted.

"From a warfighter's perspective, what you do here does make a difference, and on behalf of the warfighters of this great nation who have benefited from close air fire support, thank you for your dedication and hard work," he said.

In addition to Holt's presentation, guest speakers with the Air Force Office of Special Investigation (AFOSI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) addressed other security matters. They touched on topics such as elicitation and being aware of adversaries' attempts to obtain information.

Steve Pearson, ATA general manager, thanked Holt for taking time to speak to AEDC personnel regarding his personal experiences.

"AEDC has had the unique opportunity of hearing from one of our own, Col. Warner Holt, who is both a warfighter and an AEDC service provider," Pearson said. "Col. Holt was willing to share one of the most difficult aspects of his warfighter experience - losing fellow soldiers under heavy enemy fire. He very effectively delivered the message that without the capabilities tested and developed at AEDC, battlefield losses would be much greater for both U.S. and allied troops. We received a clear message that AEDC does 'make a difference,' especially in terms of Close Air Support (CAS) for our troops. Our part in the national security mission is to deliver superior, uncompromised capabilities for our warfighter, when and where needed."

Pearson also emphasized that security is first and foremost the responsibility of the individual.

"Effective security of operations at AEDC requires an individual mindset, recognizing that we are personally responsible for protecting critical information as part of our daily jobs," he said. "It also requires being aware of our surroundings - observing and reporting when something 'Just Doesn't Look Right.'

"The AEDC Security Fair was successful in raising security awareness for those who were able to attend, but continuous emphasis is needed to ensure heightened security awareness becomes, on an individual basis, our normal mode of operation."

ATA Industrial Security/Information Protection Manager Jeannie Bowden noted the message provided at the AEDC Security Fair is definitely one for all to remember.

"AEDC leadership provided us with an opportunity to experience a greater sense of appreciation for those who allow us to go on living our comfortable lives at home and at work, while they face unimaginable emotional and physical experiences in an effort to provide and defend freedom for those who love and desire it so much here and around the globe - we cannot thank them and their families enough," Bowden said.

Bowden mentioned the Security Fair had a positive response and more than 500 attended during the three day event.

AEDC TSD-IP Information Security Manager Jack Glasser added that the Security Fair was a great opportunity for AEDC personnel to hear about "real world" events, specifically where AEDC support is essential to the safety and security of our warfighters.
"Col. Holt's briefing was a spot-on security message, stressing how what we do at AEDC ultimately brought him home safely from Afghanistan," Glasser said. "It seemed ironic that several times Col. Holt thanked us, when we should be thanking him and all of our warfighters for putting themselves in harm's way to protect and help people that may not even necessarily agree with our country's way of life. As an American, I can appreciate the hard work and dedication of our AEDC workforce better, knowing that we support 'our nation's finest.'"

"We also appreciate the message from AFOSI and FBI for sharing information about actual attempts by foreign entities to obtain information from AEDC personnel and for their reminders regarding elicitation techniques. Our raised awareness will help thwart the threat of information loss. Strong leadership is an essential part of effective security. We appreciate Col. Toth and Mr. Pearson for their approval and support to this great event."