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New squadron stands up

By Airman 1st Class Wesley Wright, Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs / Published June 18, 2007

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MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Two squadrons stood down and a new one stood up in their places during a redesignation ceremony here June 11.

The former 5th Services Squadron and the former 5th Mission Support Squadron merged to form the new 5th Force Support Squadron.

According to the new squadron's commander, Lt. Col. Joseph Ogea, the merger will harness the synergies between the services and mission support worlds.

"The overall goal is customer support," he said. "Basically, this new squadron can take care of an Airman from the cradle to the grave. It doesn't matter if you're looking for a slice of pizza or a new identification card, we can help you with just about anything customer support related."

The architect for the merger here at Minot AFB is the former 5th Military Personnel Flight commander, Maj. Chad Schrecengost, who itemized the benefits of the merger.

"This merger will benefit the Air Force with combined human capital management," the Major said. "The merged A1 (Air Force Personnel and Services) community will bring our Airmen and civilians into service. We will take care of their careers, education and families; and continue to serve through promotions, deployments and eventual separation/retirement. Simply put, this consolidates nearly every 'people' program or service for our Airmen, civilians, retirees, families and community."

Major Schrecengost and Colonel Ogea both stressed the efficiency the new squadron will bring to the services provided.

"You're going to see a lot of rapid referral," Colonel Ogea said. "Meaning, if we help you with one thing, we can immediately send you to where you need to go next."

Minot AFB is one of six bases the Air Force chose to test the merger of a services and mission support squadron.

"That says a lot about the trust Air Combat Command has in these two organizations," said Colonel Ogea. "It's an honor to be chosen."

The 5th FSS also faced the challenge of making itself operational within six months of learning of the merger from headquarters.

"I'm very proud of everyone involved," said Colonel Ogea. "Not only am I very proud of our architect, Major Schrecengost, but also Mrs. Mary Brown, our Services expert and my new Deputy Director, and finally the attitude of everyone involved. People never dragged their heals. They made everything happen in a very short period of time."

According to the 5th FSS test plan, the new mega-squadron breaks down into five flights: Force Development Flight, Manpower and Personnel Flight, Airman and Family Services Flight, Sustainment Services Flight and Community Services Flight. Many of the administrative sides of these organizations have already consolidated to the PRIDE building. A total of 30 people and seven offices have been moved so far.

"One example is the co-located customer service opportunities on the third floor of the PRIDE building which will emerge as a one-stop human resource hub," Major Schrecengost added.

According to Colonel Ogea, the burden now rests with the newly established 5th FSS to pave the way for future force support squadrons.

"We are setting the template for others to follow," he said. "It's up to us to figure out exactly what works best and recommend procedures and policies to ACC."

Colonel Ogea and Major Schrecengost both highlighted the stellar Airmen working in the 5th FSS as key to its success.

"Any large scale change can be challenging," Maj. Schrecengost added. "But the fantastic attitudes of the men and women of both former units, paired with tremendous support from senior leadership, have fostered a great climate for change."

"These two organizations, consisting of professionals at every level, have a proud heritage and we're looking forward to a very bright future," said Colonel Ogea.
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