New force support squadron streamlines Vance AFB functions

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  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  When it comes to people programs, community support and quality of life, there is now one organization on base that will handle it all - the 71st 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 when the last base merges its A1 Squadrons. Air Force Secretary Michael W. Wynne's comment summed up the transformation best, "We will fund transformation through ... organizational efficiencies, process efficiencies, reduction of legacy systems and manpower while sustaining Global War on Terror and ongoing operations in support of the Joint Fight." 

The new squadrons will streamline processes, maximize customer service with an integrated service delivery and cut costs associated with maintaining separate organizations, said Major Wistaria Joseph, 71st Force Support Squadron commander.
"Because we're a leaner force, we need to focus on getting our people and organizations to operate at maximum efficiency," Major Joseph said. "This reorganization puts our Vance 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 71st 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, Airman and family services will leverage the family connection through its sections of Airman and family readiness, civilian development and youth programs. This flight will also have the overall responsibility for all casualty and mortuary functions. 

"This is basically a behind-the-scenes change and should appear transparent to most Airmen here at Vance Air Force Base," said Major Joseph. "If someone needs to go get an ID card or go to the library, in most cases, that person will still go to the same location they're familiar with today. Rest assured we will do extensive publicity on the changes in locations and phone numbers resulting from the formation of the 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." 

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 and director indicate this merger has not been without its challenges," Major Joseph said. "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. Fortunately for us here at Vance Air Force Base, for the last year the manpower, personnel and service community has had some practice working together since the Services Flight joined the 71st Mission Support Squadron in March 2007." 

Diane McCurdy, the squadron's new deputy director, cited the new force development flight as an example of positive changes coming. 

"The new force development flight commander is responsible for all education, training, library, professional development, professional military education and testing," she said. "It's advantageous for the wing to have one person overseeing and integrating the learning opportunities for the installation. It is also a relief to finally have one person responsible for all education and training testing." 

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 Joseph. "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." At this time the interim operations officer is Sandi Ott. 

The bottom line is the newly formed unit has a new name - the 71st Force Support Squadron - in place of what were the 71st Mission Support Squadron and the Services Flight here at Vance AFB. Although it seems like several changes occurred, one thing will not change - the dedicated people of this newly merged organization will continue doing their best to support commanders and provide first class superior support to our customers.