Air Force 'top cop' visits Offutt

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Jason L. Haag
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  The Air Force director of security forces visited Offutt last week to tour facilities, talk with security forces Airmen about important issues in the career field and hear what's on the minds of the defenders in the field.

Brig. Gen. Jimmy McMillian, known as the Air Force's "Top Cop," also met with senior 55th Wing leaders during his three-day visit that also included a guard mount briefing, shoot house exercise, U.S. Strategic Command visit and security forces all-call.

"This team is prepared for any contingency at a moment's notice," McMillian said of the 55th Security Forces Squadron. "You have the right leadership here, from the wing commander down to the squadron commander. They understand the importance of having well-trained, well-led and well equipped security forces members to execute the mission at hand."

The general began his visits with security forces Airmen and Sailors with a message of thanks.

"First, I want to thank you for what you do for our Air Force, our Navy and the Department of Defense," McMillian told defenders at an all-call. "Most of you came in after 9/11 and well aware of the sacrifice you were making, you chose to serve in a time of war, and that is honorable."

McMillian, who began his security forces career as a flight security and operations officer in 1982, expressed to Offutt cops that he knows they are working long hours, and while they can't always measure their effectiveness, it's easy to know if they aren't effective."

"I know your hours often exceed a normal Air Force work week, but you are getting the job done without failure. We owe you a tremendous debt of gratitude for your commitment to service in the face of adversity in austere work environments."

Besides taking questions, the general spoke at length about areas that have his attention as the Top Cop, including suicide prevention.

According to McMillian, the security forces career field has the third highest suicide rate among Air Force specialties and he's asking for a personal commitment from all Airmen he meets with to get help if they need it.

"I understand you may have some tough times in your life but how you respond to difficult situations will determine your outcome, positive or negative. I want each of you to pre-identify someone you can talk to when you are at your lowest point emotionally, no matter what time of day or night," McMillian said.

"If you cannot find assistance you trust while experiencing a low point in your life, please call me and I will help you get through your moment of despair. I'm available 24 hours a day as your Top Cop via my duty officer at the pentagon. I'd much rather talk to you at 0200 than come into the office at 0700 and hear you didn't make it."

As the general concluded his talk with the Offutt defenders, he again thanked them and reminded them that Air Force security forces is respected across the Defense Department for the great work they are doing at home and abroad.

"During a visit to Bagram Air Base, a command sergeant major relayed to me that the security forces Airmen were 'outsoldiering his soldiers.' Air Force security forces are more respected now than any other time in our history - that's a testament to your professionalism and personal sacrifices. Thank you."