ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
Colonel Kit Lambert, 316th Security Forces Squadron commander, and his team are currently evaluating the squadron's capability to support Team Andrews should their unit be affected by a potential 40 percent "sick rate" caused by the H1N1 influenza virus, as has been projected in recent base-wide tabletop exercises.
"Overall, security forces is always postured well to support contingencies such as this," said Colonel Lambert. "We have a post priority chart that identifies what functions are most important. As manpower is reduced, we man our posts accordingly in order to minimize the impact to our installation customers."
Colonel Lambert explained that Team Andrews and the average base customer would not see an impact to services in the short term as the security forces lower priority posts are primarily positioned in staffing, training and other support functions.
Team Andrews and other base customers would, however, see a change in the gate entry procedures.
"Persons entering the gate would be asked to keep their windows closed and press their identification cards up to the driver's side window in order to avoid spreading the flu," Colonel Lambert said. "Our ID card readers, called MOBILISA System, can read the ID cards through their window, so there is no impact to security."
Colonel Lambert recently emailed security forces Airmen instructing his squadron how to stay safe and healthy during the upcoming influenza season.
"We are approaching another resurgence of the flu which the medical community is warning will be very bad," Colonel Lambert explained to the security community.
Colonel Lambert noted four key areas security forces members need to be aware of, including the importance of not wearing cloth gloves, which he said may actually increase the spread of the disease as the gloves retain the virus and allow it to continue to spread.
Secondly, Colonel Lambert encouraged his Airmen to frequently wash and sanitize their hands.
The third point in Colonel Lambert's communication to his troops was to maintain social distancing, which includes a six foot distance whenever and wherever possible.
The final and - as Colonel Lambert stated as the most important point - stay home if feeling ill.
"Stay home if you are sick or have symptoms. Do not tough it out or you may be the one that makes the whole squadron sick. Notify your chain of command if you have been exposed to a valid case of H1N1," he said. "Be proactive now and we will all be better for it."
Colonel Lambert concluded regarding his squadron's readiness level, "We stand ready to support this - and all contingencies in the National Capital Region."
"The 316 SFS has made tremendous strides to ensure preparedness in their contingency plans should there be a widespread effect of the H1N1 influenza virus on the base," said Robert L. Yarbrough, Jr., 316th Wing Plans and Programs interim director. "They're ready."