101 Air Refueling Wing, Bangor ME — MAINE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Me. (Aug. 21, 2023) — The phoenix has always been a symbol of rejuvenation and a renewed youth to live through another life cycle. Such as with the mythological creature, it is the 101st that is rejuvenating itself and preparing for another life cycle of utilizing skilled and highly trained Airmen.
Staff Sgt. Brett Doughty, a member of the 101st Security Forces Squadron as well as their Unit Deployment Manager and Vehicle Control Officer, is one of the key members who is looking to spearhead the mission of renewing the presence of security members who are furthering their training by going through the Phoenix Raven program.
The Phoenix Raven program is a training for Security Forces members in the Air Force that will guarantee an unmatched level of security transiting airfields where security is unknown or additional security is needed to counter local threats. This training ensures that teams of Security Forces members can deploy as aircrew members and ensure safety for those on board the aircraft. The Raven program is not a necessary training for all defenders, and is only reserved for those that not only wish to further their training, but also meet the standards required for the rigorous course.
“The training was meant for low profile and low visibility flyway security,” said Doughty. “Sometimes an aircraft could go somewhere where there is no established security, that’s where Ravens would come into play.”
In the years prior, the 101st has had their fair share of defenders who have completed the Phoenix Raven program, but for the past few years there have not been new members who have been able to get into this training. Doughty was selected as one of the first of a new generation of 101st members to be Raven-trained and lead a revitalization for the security forces members being multifaceted defenders.
Staff Sgt. Gary-Allen Cropley-Tucker, another member of the 101st Security Forces Squadron and Unit Deployment Manager, has worked in close relation with SSgt. Doughty throughout his time at the 101st and witnessed his impact on the squadron first-hand.
“He’s a hard-charger for sure,” said Cropley-Tucker. “We haven’t had someone come out of Raven training at the 101st in about 5-6 years, but Doughty is one of two members spearheading the rejuvenation of this program for us.”
SSgt. Cropley-Tucker made it very clear that not only was SSgt. Doughty a highly motivated Airman, but he was also somebody who could be called upon when a hard worker and impactful player is needed to complete the mission at hand.
“Starting out, his impact was immense and he was quickly selected to come and work in the back office as a Unit Deployment Manager,” said Cropley-Tucker. “This was because of his ability to lead and the relationships that he built when he first started out here. He was always quick to learn and then take his knowledge and ensure that the people around him were also trained adequately.”
SSgt. Doughty expressed his commitment to the 101st, and how he had always envisioned himself as a member of the Bangor Air National Guard for his entire career ever since he swore in almost 5 years ago.
“I took the job of being our unit’s deployment manager in order to advance my career,” said Doughty. “It’s always been my goal to stay out here until it comes time to retire. I tried going to school, but didn’t necessarily like that, so I joined the Air National Guard and found myself really enjoying my time here. That is when I decided that I wanted to work out here full-time and build a career here.”
Doughty’s willingness and ability to go above and beyond the standards set before him is something that the 101st Security Forces Squadron values immensely, and those around him have noticed his aptitude for success in his career.
“He has always been seen as a peer-idol,” said Cropley-Tucker. “He was able to do his job and do it well, quickly climbing the ladder in our unit. The value that he brings to us will be felt for many years to come and I look forward to seeing all that he accomplishes with us.”
It is no secret that the 101st is taking part in missions that are located in the Arctic, and with these missions comes adversity such as a lack of security throughout the region for our deployed members. Having multi-faceted Airman with the training that SSgt. Doughty now has will prove to be crucial toward mission success and safety for not only the 101st, but for the Air Force as a whole.
- Published
- 101 Air Refueling Wing Security Forces
(U.S. Air National Guard Story by Senior Airman Erick Green)
