As Security Policemen, we have many jobs and many responsibilities. As members of the 377th Security Police Squadron, we have established a reputation for doing those jobs and doing them well.

We are, of course, "Proven in Combat." You know it, I know it, the Base Commander knows it, and everyone else--up to and including General Westmoreland--knows it. But being the best--and being known as the best--does not mean that we can rest on our laurels. We cannot afford to stand idle while boasting of past accomplishments, for the unit which does so sooner or later--and usually sooner--loses it's spark and quitely deteriorates.

Rather, we have an obligation to ourselves and to our squadron to remain the best, to live up to our reputation. In this sense, we have to remember the little jobs as well as the big ones. And we have to remember that because we are the best, people are watching us. What does this mean in terms of our day-to-day operations? Generally, we should act like the professional Security Policemen we are.

Specifically, we should remember that the rest of this base gets their most lasting impression of our squadron by watching us in action. If you are on post, know what you are supposed to be doing. If you're new on that post or not familiar with your duties, don't just stand there--check with your supervisor.

Maintain at least a semblance of military bearing. If smoking or eating a snack is permitted on your post, do it discreetly. If you're drinking a coke, don't try to chug-a-lug the can and salute the Base Commander's Car at the same time. If you're eating a sandwich, don't make your jeep or your post area look like a picnic grounds. Use common sense.

I realize and most of the people here realize that the TET Offensive and continuning threat of hostile action have created new burdens and problems for our squadron. But we, as professional Security Policemen, still have to set the standards of bearing and behavior for the rest of the base, and when a Security Policemen looks or acts sloppy, he sticks out like a sore thumb.

And remember our pride in our squadron, remember your pride in yourself. Remember our reputation and the letters we've

received from General Momyer and General Westmoreland to back us up. And remember that it takes only a little extra effort to do the job right--and to stay on top.

FIRST SERGEANT'S COLUMN

The day is over with, you are tired and maybe a little peevish, you pull your boots and fatigues off, light up that good nite smoke, STOP! Don't put that head on the pillow, take a couple more puffs and put that butt out! What person in his right mind would endanger the lives of his barracks buddies? I don't know, but we sure have them in the service. Most barracks fires are caused by someone smoking in bed and falling to sleep. Enjoy a smoke but don't let it kill.