New force support squadron will streamline McConnell base functions Published July 31, 2008 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- 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 force support squadron. The 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 when the last base merges its A1 Squadrons. The new squadrons will help streamline processes, maximize customer service and cut costs associated with maintaining separate organizations, said Lt Col Sonya Collins, 22 FSS commander. "Because we're a leaner force, we need to focus on getting our people and organizations to operate at maximum efficiency," said Colonel Collins. "This reorganization puts our Team McConnell manpower, personnel and services capabilities under one leadership 'hat,' which reduces overhead and gives our people the flexibility to be more responsive to customers' 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 the food operations, fitness and wellness, and lodging branches. "This is basically a behind-the-scenes change and should appear transparent to most Airmen here at McConnell," said Colonel Collins. "If someone needs to go get an identification 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. Rest assured we will be doing extensive publicity on the changes in locations/phone numbers, etc., that do result from this new force support squadron. What we'll have; however, is a more effective force structure in place to better support our Airmen in the long run." To make sure we don't "break anything" by merging mission support and services, six Air Force bases across six commands were selected early last year to test the new squadron model. The test bases (Edwards AFB, Calif, Eielson AFB, Alaska, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo., Grand Forks AFB, N.D., Laughlin AFB, Texas and Minot AFB, N.D.), helped establish where specific responsibilities and processes should be placed within the organizational structure and how they should be set up. "The end of test reports from the test site commanders/director indicate that this merger has not been without its challenges," said Colonel Collins. "They had to re-establish lines of communication, move some people around and overcome cultural differences between the functions. But, even with the difficulties, we're already seeing the benefits of combining these assets." "The new force development flight commander is responsible for all education, training, library, professional development, and professional military education," Colonel Collins said. "It's advantageous for the wing to have one person overseeing and integrating the 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 Colonel Collins. "With our training plan in place, our people will be able to gain valuable experience across different functional areas. We've also created a new position - the operations officer - that will be open to officers and civilians." The bottom line is the force support squadron is in place of what was mission support and services at McConnell Air Force Base. "One thing has not changed: the dedicated people of this newly merged organization will continue doing their best to support commanders and provide first class support to their customers," said Capt. Willie Cooper, 22nd FSS deputy commander. For more information on the new force support squadron at McConnell AFB, please contact Captain Cooper at DSN 759-1825.