WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — At the entrance of Robins Air Force Base, security forces stand as the first line of defense, screening thousands of visitors daily and ensuring the safety of Georgia's biggest military installation.
Technical Sergeant James Fitzpatrick has seen it all during his 12-year military career. His experience spans multiple bases and deployments, from Afghanistan to Qatar.
"I've been to many places," Fitzpatrick said. "I've done law enforcement and security at various bases. And each one is a little different. This one is definitely one of the bigger operations."
The job of base security is far more complex than most civilians understand. These guardians must verify every credential, screen every vehicle and manage a diverse array of visitors from around the world.
"We have unique situations where we have to sometimes come up with solutions," Fitzpatrick explained. "We get people from all over the world - exchange students from Germany, visitors from England, Ireland, Australia."
The base processes between 4,000 and 11,000 visitors daily.
Officials with the base say that each entry point serves as a potential vulnerability that must be carefully monitored. Criminal background checks are a standard procedure. Base security forces will detain and transfer individuals with outstanding warrants to local law enforcement.
Senior Airman Taylor McTizic understands the profound responsibility of their mission. For her, the job is about more than just checking identification.
"I feel like it's very important, especially like you don't want to just let anybody in that shouldn't be here because you never know what they'll do," McTizic said. "Everybody wants to feel protected, wants to feel like they can just walk around and be safe at the end of the day. And that's what we're here to do is make sure everyone's safe."
Both Fitzpatrick and McTizic say the emotional and psychological demands of the job are very real. They have to remain calm and professional, even when confronting difficult situations.
"People get pretty upset when they get told they can't come on base," Fitzpatrick said. "My job is to step in and try to de-escalate that situation."
Training for these positions is rigorous, according to base officials. Security forces undergo extensive emergency response protocols and training for high-stress interactions. They have to take annual training courses as a result.
Over 22,000 people work at Robins Air Force Base, which covers more than 8,000 acres and houses three major commands. It’s a job that both say requires a large manpower to maintain.