A well-managed marriage Published July 7, 2015 By 1st Lt Bradley Hayesraugh 740th Missile Squadron MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Tech Sgt. Matthew Matlock of the 741st Missile Squadron and Staff Sgt. Vanessa Matlock of the 740st Missile Squadron are quite the team, professionally and personally. Together they may break ground as the first pair of spouse Facility Managers supporting the ICBM mission at Minot AFB, ND. "As married Facility Mangers, we have the unique opportunity for an inside look into how each other's squadrons operate in the missile environment," Vanessa notes. "We're able to pass valuable information between our squadrons and collaborate to improve the overall health of both units," remarks her husband. The FM's role in nuclear deterrence is vital; it is their responsibility to ensure Missile Alert Facilities, known as MAFs, maintain operational readiness conditions at all times. Individuals chosen for this position are well versed in routine procedures, seeing to the daily upkeep of essential equipment, as well as emergency actions for contingency and combat scenarios. Their job directly supports security forces, maintenance, and missile combat crew teams that utilize the facilities and enables the Air Force to conduct its strategic nuclear mission. When commenting on what qualities are key for his job, Matthew offers that "a good Missile Alert Facility Manger must be tenacious," and be vigilant in keeping the MAF in operational order. When issues arise, the FM must have "the dedication to research and fix a problem himself or herself, or develop relationships with the Civil Engineer Squadron and Missile Maintenance Operations Center personnel that are close enough to ensure timely problem resolution." "You have to stay on top of issues such as maintenance problems and be able to provide leadership with justification as to why things need to repaired or replaced," adds Vanessa. "Being proactive and having situational awareness are the most pivotal things I have learned as an FM," she says. The challenges of FM responsibilities and managing schedules are not lost on the Matlocks. "The biggest trials we've faced have been dealing with sporadic bouts of separation imposed by our duty schedules," Matthew mentions. Indeed, an FM's rotation out into the missile complex has them away from home for roughly four days at a time, multiple times a month, straining certain aspects of their off-duty life. Although their schedules conflict at times and force the couple to be a part, both are exceedingly grateful for the opportunity to serve together. "Striking that right balance between home life and work can pose tricky at times but in the grand scheme of things it is not the amount of time you spend with each other but the quality of that time you spend," says Vanessa. "Communication is key. After all, our primary AFSC is comm!" she laughs. The two offered words of advice for those who are newlywed active duty spouses. "Dual military newlyweds must always be patient with one another. They must always give each other room to excel at work while striving together to make time for off-duty recreation," says Matthew. "Take time to listen to each other," chimes in Vanessa. "Don't let work be the first thing you talk about when you come home. The mission will always come first but don't forget your own personality and values."