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Total force works
Posted 7/12/2012 Updated 7/12/2012
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Commentary by Chief Master Sgt. Richard Young
707th Maintenance Squadron
7/12/2012 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Looking back on 25 plus years of military service, it never ceases to amaze me when a plan comes together.
As an Air Reserve Technician, operationally assigned to the 2nd Maintenance Group and currently filling in as the 2nd Maintenance Squadron superintendent, while still being administratively assigned to the 307th Maintenance Group, I see a perspective most of my peers seldom have the opportunity to experience in their military careers.
The Total Force Initiative that current and previous Air Force leaders have incorporated is working better at Barksdale than any other location in the Air Force. We are the only base in the Air Force to have both an "Active" and a "Classic" association assigned to our bomb wings.
Air Force leaders saw something in Barksdale that made us stand apart from other installations throughout the Air Force. Maybe it was the fact that the active and reserve components here already fly the same aircraft. I would like to believe the acclaimed history of our previous deployments, shared facilities and the "Team Barksdale" attitude portrayed had a large part in our selection.
Even with our shared facilities and "Team Barksdale" spirit, there are differences of opinions. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to come to the realization that we both harbor our own cultural beliefs. In fact, I believe the differences we cherish so deeply happen to be the driving force that makes this association work so well together.
The reserve components ability to keep experienced personnel in one location for an extended period of time is paramount in mission effectiveness and continuity throughout the workforce. This is balanced with the active duty's constant flux of personnel into the Air Force, posturing us with the constant pipeline of personnel needed for future leadership.
Another driving force behind the need for TFI is the current budgetary constraints and reduced force structure. With this in mind, it makes perfect sense that we combine and conquer, doing away with the differences where possible.
I challenge you to go back and check historical records, maintenance metrics, past inspection results or any other means available. You'll be surprised to see that since both TFI's started, the 2nd and 307th Bomb Wings' mission effectiveness has improved by leaps and bounds.
Bottom line, whether you are active duty or reserve, the Air Force mission is our #1 priority, and is being accomplished with pride, a sense of duty and professionalism. Most people who know me will testify that I'm not one of the world's biggest fans of change, but I have to agree...this one works. |
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