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Here's a trip down Ground-Launched Cruise Missile (GLCM)-memory lane (Warren, 1985). For my uninitiated brothers and sisters, GLCM is the ground-based version of the Air Force's Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) and the Navy's Sea-Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM) or Tomahawk Cruise Missile.
I had the pleasure last week of talking with CMSgt Fred Drummond USAF-Retired—or "Big Brother Fred" as he is affectionately known to me. It is my honor to say that he was my comrade in arms in Germany, and a is still a good friend. He's the one who initiates the All Points Bulletin (APB) on me when my depression (Realwarriors.net, n.d.) kicks in and no one has reported a comm check from me in a while. Big Fred is what I call the ultimate 'Battle Buddy' for life'. When was the last time you checked-in on your Battle Buddy (Dunz, 2010)?
Big Fred and I were room-mates at Hahn Air Base (Main Support Base), and 'GLCM Rangers' at Wueschhiem Air Station, Germany (1986-1989) during the Cold War. Then-SSgt Drummond flourished as a distinguished GLCM Alert & Maintenance Area (GAMA) Alarm Monitor—the Eye-in-the-Sky who monitored the Intrusion detection systems (IDS) on the perimeter security fencing and weapon storage structures from the tower (Usafpolice.org, 2015)—while yours truly (SSgt Hardy) served as the tactical (initial) Incident Commander where I mastered the art and science of—Taking the Command Position (Hanifen, 2016)—which makes sense that I eventually retrained into the USAF Command Post.
When I reflect on GLCM's success as a deterrent against the Soviet SS-20, and the eventual signing of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, I'm reminded that Fred and I represent only a microcosm of many hand-in-glove relationships formed not only in the GAMA, but, notably, during periods of increased tension, command routinely dispatched our collective talents—with the recommendation and under the tactical control (TACON) of then-MSgt Michael Ringgold—to lead Counter-HUMINT missions in tandem with the local Office of Special Investigation (OSI) to support GLCM dispersal operations.
As a friendly reminder to my Force Protection (FP) successors: Lone-Ranger antics don't accomplish FP missions; FP is successfully achieved as a close-knit team. Ergo, I re-edited my stint at Wueschhiem in my 'Military Experience' below to reflect this adage: See "Air Base Ground Defense Area Supervisor (Incident Commander) 38th Security Police Squadron (USAFE) | Wueschheim AB, Germany". Until next time. Hooah!
List of References:
Dunz, J.V. (2010, May-Aug). What it Means To Be A Battle Buddy. Retrieved from http://www.wood.army.mil/engrmag/PDFs%20for%20May-Aug%2010/Dunz.pdf
Hanifen, R. (2016, Dec. 8). Back to the Basics: The Initial Incident Commander (IC). Retrieved from http://edmdigest.com/response/back-to-the-basics-initial-ic/
Realwarriors.net. (n.d.). Dealing with Depression: Symptoms and Treatment. Retrieved May 14, 2017 from http://www.realwarriors.net/active/treatment/depression.php
Usafpolice.org. (2015). Security Specialist. USAF Police Alumni Association. Retrieved May 14, 2017 from http://www.usafpolice.org/security-specialist.html
Warner, E.L. (1985, Feb. 10). Here the Superpowers Go Again: Costly New Arms, No New Security. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/opinions/1985/02/10/here-the-superpowers-go-again-costly-new-arms-no-new-security/7da14615-d82c-488e-8158-560962ba5aea/?utm_term=.0944e147c404
I had the pleasure last week of talking with CMSgt Fred Drummond USAF-Retired—or "Big Brother Fred" as he is affectionately known to me. It is my honor to say that he was my comrade in arms in Germany, and a is still a good friend. He's the one who initiates the All Points Bulletin (APB) on me when my depression (Realwarriors.net, n.d.) kicks in and no one has reported a comm check from me in a while. Big Fred is what I call the ultimate 'Battle Buddy' for life'. When was the last time you checked-in on your Battle Buddy (Dunz, 2010)?
Big Fred and I were room-mates at Hahn Air Base (Main Support Base), and 'GLCM Rangers' at Wueschhiem Air Station, Germany (1986-1989) during the Cold War. Then-SSgt Drummond flourished as a distinguished GLCM Alert & Maintenance Area (GAMA) Alarm Monitor—the Eye-in-the-Sky who monitored the Intrusion detection systems (IDS) on the perimeter security fencing and weapon storage structures from the tower (Usafpolice.org, 2015)—while yours truly (SSgt Hardy) served as the tactical (initial) Incident Commander where I mastered the art and science of—Taking the Command Position (Hanifen, 2016)—which makes sense that I eventually retrained into the USAF Command Post.
When I reflect on GLCM's success as a deterrent against the Soviet SS-20, and the eventual signing of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, I'm reminded that Fred and I represent only a microcosm of many hand-in-glove relationships formed not only in the GAMA, but, notably, during periods of increased tension, command routinely dispatched our collective talents—with the recommendation and under the tactical control (TACON) of then-MSgt Michael Ringgold—to lead Counter-HUMINT missions in tandem with the local Office of Special Investigation (OSI) to support GLCM dispersal operations.
As a friendly reminder to my Force Protection (FP) successors: Lone-Ranger antics don't accomplish FP missions; FP is successfully achieved as a close-knit team. Ergo, I re-edited my stint at Wueschhiem in my 'Military Experience' below to reflect this adage: See "Air Base Ground Defense Area Supervisor (Incident Commander) 38th Security Police Squadron (USAFE) | Wueschheim AB, Germany". Until next time. Hooah!
List of References:
Dunz, J.V. (2010, May-Aug). What it Means To Be A Battle Buddy. Retrieved from http://www.wood.army.mil/engrmag/PDFs%20for%20May-Aug%2010/Dunz.pdf
Hanifen, R. (2016, Dec. 8). Back to the Basics: The Initial Incident Commander (IC). Retrieved from http://edmdigest.com/response/back-to-the-basics-initial-ic/
Realwarriors.net. (n.d.). Dealing with Depression: Symptoms and Treatment. Retrieved May 14, 2017 from http://www.realwarriors.net/active/treatment/depression.php
Usafpolice.org. (2015). Security Specialist. USAF Police Alumni Association. Retrieved May 14, 2017 from http://www.usafpolice.org/security-specialist.html
Warner, E.L. (1985, Feb. 10). Here the Superpowers Go Again: Costly New Arms, No New Security. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/opinions/1985/02/10/here-the-superpowers-go-again-costly-new-arms-no-new-security/7da14615-d82c-488e-8158-560962ba5aea/?utm_term=.0944e147c404
GLCM Program
Posted from usafpolice.org
3P: Security Forces
Depression
Military History
Teamwork
Terrorism
Edited 7 y ago
Posted 7 y ago
Responses: 4
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MSgt. Hardy. I was stationed at RAF Greenham Common, UK in the middle '80's it was a GLCM Base. Being Security Police I knew quiet a bit about the GLCM mission.
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Wow i could only imagine th era of the Security Forces then, heard DM was a fun base to be stationed at during this time!
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I was at RAF Alconbury and we supported RAF Molesworth after the base went into caretaker status once the GLCMs were removed. I still remember the red light in the control tower in the old WSA during midnight shifts, kinda like the all seeing eye from Lord of the Rings. The MOD Police we worked with told me a lot of stories of when they were bringing Molesworth on line for the GCLM mission and all of the shenanigans with the protesters.
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MSgt Ken "Airsoldier" Collins-Hardy
SrA John Steinmeier – I recall we had a lot of troops from RAF Molesworth to arrive at Wueschhiem, AS, Germany. One name that pops to mind is then-SSgt Clary Glover, who eventually became one of my lodge brothers when we were assigned together at San Vito, AS, Italy. Thanks for responding, Sir!
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