New Force Support Squadron streamlines Barksdale base functions

  • Published
  • By Staff Reports
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  When it comes to people programs, community support and quality of life, there will soon be one organization on base that will handle it all-the 2d Force Support Squadron.

This new organization is the result of an ongoing Air Force-wide merger of Mission Support and Services Squadrons and is expected to be completed by early 2010.

"The 2 FSS will help streamline processes, maximize customer service and cut costs associated with maintaining separate organizations," said Maj. Jimmy Humphrey, 2d Mission Support Commander.

"Because we're a leaner force, we need to focus on getting our people and organizations to operate at maximum efficiency," Maj. Michael Rakoczy, 2d Services Commander said. "This reorganization puts our Barksdale Air Force base manpower, personnel and services capabilities under one leadership 'hat,' which reduces overhead and gives our people the flexibility to be more responsive to customer needs."

The new FSS includes five flights: Force Development, Manpower and Personnel, Airmen and Family Services, Sustainment Services and Community Services. The new structure combines similar functional areas that already work closely together. For example, the Sustainment Services flight contains food operations, fitness and wellness, and lodging branches.

"This is basically a behind-the-scenes change and should appear transparent to most customers here at Barksdale AFB," said Major Humphrey. "If someone needs such service as an ID card or personal financial assistance; they will still go to the same location they're familiar with today. We'll now have a more effective force structure in place to better support our Airmen in today's environment."

Six Air Force bases across six commands were selected early last year to test the new squadron model. The test bases (Edwards, Eielson, FE Warren, Grand Forks, Laughlin and Minot) helped to further define where specific responsibilities and processes should be organized.

"The test reports indicate that this merger has not been without its challenges," said Major Rakoczy. "They had to re-establish lines of communication, move some people out of their comfort zones, and overcome long-standing cultural differences between the various functions. But, even with the difficulties, we're already seeing the benefits of combining these assets."

Major Humphrey cited the new Force Development flight as an example of the positive changes emerging. "The new Force Development flight commander is responsible for all education, training, library, professional development, and professional military education," he said. "It's advantageous for the wing and its tenants to have one person overseeing and integrating all learning opportunities for the installation."

The merger is also advantageous for the careers of future force support officers and civilians. "This reorganization opens up career opportunities that we haven't had before," said Major Rakoczy. "With our new training plan in place, our people will be able to gain valuable experience across different functional areas and ensure they have all the core competencies needed to assume greater leadership and management roles. We've also created a new position-the operations officer-that will be open to both officers and civilians."

The bottom line is that there will soon be a new name on the sign--Force Support Squadron--in place of what was Mission Support and Services at Barksdale Air Force base. One thing however will not change; the dedicated professionals of this newly merged organization will continue to provide the best support possible to all Barksdale customers.

Please join us as we perform our official Inactivation/Redesignation ceremony signifying the transition into our new squadron. The event will be held on Thursday, 1 May 2008 beginning at 1000 at the Base Flag Pole with a reception to follow at the Barksdale Club.

For more information on the new Force Support Squadron at Barksdale AFB or the official transition ceremony, please contact Capt Dallis Coleman at DSN 456-5162.