Squadrons merge for Forces Support Squadron

Those used to referring to the “services squadron” when talking about base services like the dining facility and lodging, as well those used to calling up the “mission support squadron” for help getting a new military identification card, have probably been corrected by others who say, “It’s actually all run by the Force Support Squadron now.” But aside from this name change, all those top-notch services are still provided on base.

As of Jan. 9 Cannon continued the Air Force-wide merger of services and mission support squadrons when its 27th Special Operations Services Squadron and 27th Special Operations Mission Support Squadron officially combined to become the 27th Force Support Squadron. What’s even more impressive is that despite the name changes and personnel consolidations as a result of the move, nearly no one noticed.

“This was basically a behind-the-scenes change and should have appeared transparent to most airmen here at Cannon,” said Maj. Angela Caltagirone, 27 SOFSS operations officer. “If someone needs to go get an ID card or go to the Airman’s Attic, in most cases, that person will still go to the same location they’re familiar with today. What we have is a more effective force structure in place to better support our airmen in the long run.”

According to Caltagirone, six commands were selected in early 2007 to test the new squadron model. These bases included Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas; Edwards AFB, Calif.; Grand Forks AFB, N.D.; F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo.; Minot AFB, N.D.; and Eielson AFB, Alaska. Lessons learned from these “test bases” helped to establish where specific responsibilities and processes should be placed within the organizational structure and how they should be set up. Since then, 42 mergers took place in 2008, with 27 scheduled for 2009, and the final FSS is scheduled to merge in 2010.

Why make the merger in the first place? Caltagirone says it’s because we’re a leaner force and we must therefore focus on getting our people and organizations to operate at maximum efficiency.

“This reorganization gives our people the flexibility to be more responsive to customers’ needs,” she said.

Maj. Richard McKee, 27 SOFSS commander, added that “the merging of MSS and SVS is all about reducing overhead, achieving efficiencies, and maximizing customer service in the face of an ongoing transition across the AF.”

According to Senior Airman Jordan Stockdale of the 27th Special Operations Comptroller Squadron, the FSS merger has been quite transparent, and he feels the 27 FSS can be depended on to provide great customer service.

“I didn’t really even notice the change,” he said. “In fact, when I go to the FSS now for personnel assistance, all I’ve noticed is that there are more people in that section ready to help, and it looks a lot nicer since the office areas have been remodeled.”

McKee and the rest of his 27 SOFSS staff are hopeful that this new organizational structure will allow them better flexibility to suit the needs of airmen and their families.

“This merger is all about future realization of our potential,” he said. “We know our airmen are the best in the world. They and their families deserve the best manpower, personnel and services programs that we can provide. The FSS gives us the platform for delivering those programs.”