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Reservist investigates temporary duty in Japan

  • Published
  • By Capt. Jennifer Gerhardt
  • 446th Airlift Wing
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  There are not many jobs that offer opportunities to travel the world and find a new career niche at the same time. However, opportunities like these are a few of the perks that come with serving in the Air Force Reserve. 

Such is the case with Staff Sgt. Jennifer Jankord, 446th Security Forces Squadron. After serving at Kadena Air Base, Japan, for 90 days, she decided to extend her stay for an additional 90 days. 

By doing so, Sergeant Jankord was able to explore another side of her career field.
At Kadena, Sergeant Jankord was asked if she was interested in working with the Security Forces Investigations section. At the time, Investigations was busy with a full case load and short on manpower. 

"I've never worked investigations before so it has been a great opportunity to learn different aspects of law enforcement and to better understand the judicial process," said Sergeant Jankord, who has been a 446th SFS Reservist for the last three years and works as a contract security guard at Naval Base Kitsap in her civilian life. 

Although it was initially overwhelming, the investigators quickly got her up-to-speed. She was issued temporary security police investigator credentials and before long, was taking the lead on a few cases. 

"Most of what we've asked Sergeant Jankord to do here in investigations has been covered through on-the-job training," said her supervisor, Lawrence Vaden, 18th SFS at Kadena. 

Her quick adaptability to the difficult position left an impression on her supervisor. 

"Seeing her in action is like a parent seeing his child hit her first home run. She's done an exceptional job and I would hire her if she was permanent party here. She has the characteristics to be very good investigator," Mr. Vaden said.