Incirlik’s Eyes-On program promotes ‘sober perspective’

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Chris Galindo
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  The 39th Air Base Wing's "Eyes-On" program is designed to provide base leadership regarding the practices of local off-base establishments, promote mentorship and educate personnel who are newly assigned to Incirlik. 

Each EO detail is comprised of one officer, a non-commissioned officer and two Airmen.  The team watches for any negative business practices or behavior involving Incirlik team members. This includes making note of establishments employing "buffet-style" drinking options or other unsafe or unhealthy activities. 

"Eyes On provides a sober set of eyes to monitor activities in the Alley," said Col. Phil McDaniel 39th Air Base Wing Commander. 

According to Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Antwine, 39 ABW command chief, the program centers on prevention. 

"It's hard to quantify how many bad things we've prevented from happening," he said. "Our Eyes-On people create a positive and safe atmosphere for our Airmen and family members to enjoy and socialize in." 

Each EO shift typically lasts four hours, from 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights. Areas monitored include "The Alley," Incirlik's club complex, the After Six lounge and the dormitories. A report is compiled after each EO detail to assist wing leadership in tailoring safety briefings and address concerns with the Incirlik Village Merchant's Association. As a result of the program, the wing has reduced Anti-Terrorism Force Protection violations and noise complaints and petitioned for the implementation of food service at the consolidated club. 

"One of the benefit's Eyes-On team members get is that they see first-hand the antics that may not have a positive ending," said Colonel McDaniel. People involved in an alcohol related incident typically get the opportunity to serve on a EO detail. By serving on an Eyes-On detail, they get a sober perspective of potential incidents." 

The details are assigned on a fair-share basis and each Incirlik squadron appoints members from their unit to conduct the detail. In DIGITCON Alpha EO details are only conducted twice a week, so some members do not get the opportunity. One of the goals of the program is to give every airman an opportunity to serve on at least one EO detail.

Capt. Cheri Guikema, 39 ABW SARC and EO programs coordinator schedules EO details, team leaders, team meeting times and locations, supervises team behavior and determines detail route and termination times.

According to Captain Guikema, members may not drink during their detail as doing so contradicts the program's intended purpose. 

To ensure the safety of Eyes-On members and maximize the potential for mentorship, Colonel McDaniel expects team members to remain together through the duration of the detail. If a situation requires intervention, the Eyes On team will notify 39 SFS at 676-3200. Security Forces personnel will respond or request Jandarma assistance when needed. If a situation arises at the Consolidated Club, team members are expected to locate and notify the nearest club manager.

Active duty members and civilians interested in volunteering for the program should contact their unit First Sergeant.

Questions regarding Eyes-On can be directed to the program coordinator, Captain Guikema, at 676-1084.