Staff Sgt. Miles Prather

  • Published
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  "Tip of the Spear" is a weekly spotlight designed to recognize outstanding Airmen for the work they do every day at Hurlburt Field. Staff Sgt. Miles Prather, NCO in charge of physical security for 1st Special Operations Security Force Squadron, was selected for this week's spotlight.

Name/Rank:
Staff Sgt. Miles Prather

Unit:
1st Special Operations Security Force Squadron

Duty Title:
NCO in charge of physical security

Hometown:
Spencer, Ind.

Date Entered the Air Force:
Nov. 13, 2007

Hobbies:
I like to swim, lift weights and spend time with my family.

What do you do on a daily basis at Hurlburt?
My primary duties are to ensure that the base resources are protected by inspecting and maintaining all fence-lines and ensuring proper protocol is followed for access to all areas.

What do you enjoy about your job?
I enjoy networking with people all around the Air Force. Security forces is normally a high profile job because everyone knows the cops.

Why did you join the Air Force?
I joined out of a respect for what members of the armed services do. I grew up idolizing my grandfather who was a helicopter pilot in Vietnam and Korea. I saw how everyone always treated him with such respect. I wanted to be part of something that I could be proud of.

How does your Air Force specialty contribute to the mission?
I have seen a great contribution from my AFSC. We ensure personnel and resources are safe to complete the mission. When I was working in Korea and doing law enforcement missions, I gained a whole new respect for what we do. Responding to fights and medical emergencies made me feel like I was really making a difference.

If you were Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force for one day, how would you change the Air Force?
It is hard to say how I would change the Air Force. I think we are all really lucky to be in such a great Air Force the way it is now.

What's your favorite thing about Hurlburt Field?
The amount of opportunities to get training from different agencies, and, of course, the beach.

What do you like most about being an Airman?
Growing up in a small town in Indiana, I never thought I would get half of the experiences that I have been given. I spent the last five years living in different countries and traveling the world.

What's one thing you wish you were told before joining the Air Force?
Nothing.

What motivates you at work?
My motivation is to motivate others. I love training new people, seeing how people change and come along in their career. It motivates me to see someone who started out with no confidence all of the sudden take charge and have command and take control of situations.

Who are your heroes/role models?
Greg Plitt is my role model. (Plitt is an American fitness trainer, model and actor.)

Advice to others?
There are so many opportunities around the Air Force. Take advantage of all of the certifications for your career field and have fun.