Security forces keep base secure Published March 25, 2011 By Jasmine Simon 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Kirtland Air Force Base, NM -- Security on Kirtland Air Force Base is the responsibility of every Airman, civilian employee and contractor. They are charged with the responsibility of remaining alert and security-conscious, as well as with the duty to assist security forces in their efforts to maintain the highest security levels at Kirtland. One of the ways security forces ensure our base is secured is by thoroughly investigating all guests on submitted Base Entry Authority Lists. According to the 377th Security Forces Squadron Law Enforcement Operations, if an organization is planning an event, all BALs must be received a minimum of 72 hours before to the event; BALs received less than 72 hours before will not be accepted unless in emergency For security purposes, the law enforcement operations staff needs to properly identify and verify everyone gaining access to the installation before to any event. The BAL format was implemented Nov. 16 2010, and is a necessary standard to which we all must adhere. Security forces does its best to accommodate each guest roster, but it will not compromise the integrity and security of the base to do so. "It puts us in an uncomfortable predicament, when we have to turn away guests for a large event because BALs were not submitted on time" said Tech. Sgt. Janeè R. Walker, 377th Security Forces Squadron Law Enforcement Operations, noncommissioned officer in charge. Security forces Airmen understand that planning and consideration goes into each event and they urge all event planning committees to remember to include BALs as a critical part of planning. For details, call Tech Sgt. Kevin Cooper or Staff Sgt. Jarret R. Snodgrass at 846-0309.