Week of Aug. 15 - Aug. 21, 2007

As Air Force leaders continue to shape the Air Force for the future, organizations within the Air Force have to find more efficient ways of doing business.

In this spirit, six Air Force test bases are merging their services and mission support squadrons. Through this merger, the organizations will streamline processes, increase efficiencies, maximize customer service and cut costs associated with maintaining two separate organizations. The new combined organizations are called force support squadrons.

- The bases testing the merger are Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas; Edwards AFB, Calif.; Grand Forks AFB, N.D.; F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo.; Minot AFB, N.D.; and Eielson AFB, Alaska

- The consolidation of these services will further enhance support for Airmen and the Air Force goal of recapitalizing and modernizing our aging fleet

- During the test, officials are determining what services will be merged, collocated, or will remain separate and distinct as either manpower, personnel or services entities

- Some areas being considered for consolidation are: library and education; casualty and mortuary; readiness; and protocol and executive officer functions

- The new squadron will contain five flights: force development, manpower and personnel, Airmen and family services, sustainment services and community services

- The Air Force will evaluate the test through surveys, analyses and site visits prior to Air Force-wide implementation scheduled to begin January 2008
    
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