Force Support for the masses

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Dillon White
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office
Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. --  The 341st Mission Support Squadron and 341st Services Squadron merged July 17 to form the 341st Force Support Squadron. 

The merger will affect more than 15 Air Force specialty codes in personnel, manpower and services over the next two years Air Force-wide, according to Maj. Charles Ashmore, 341st Force Support Squadron commander. 

The merger is an effort to reduce manpower and streamline the way the Air Force provides services to Airmen and their families, Major Ashmore said. 

"Behind the scenes, reorganization should appear unchanged," Major Ashmore said. "If someone needs to get an ID 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." 

Enlisted Airmen's jobs will remain the same; however officer's career fields, such as, 34M services and 37F personnelist, will merge, the commander said. 

"Being a commander of this squadron is about taking care of people not only within the squadron, but everyone in the Great Falls community," Major Ashmore said. "What a privilege." 

The 341st FSS members are taking two very diverse customer-service oriented organizations and merging them into one organization, said Margie Stutz, 341st FSS deputy director. 

"Our already high level of customer service should continue to improve over time since our activities and programs will know more about each other and can provide more information," Ms. Stutz said. "It is exciting bringing our staff together and working toward a common goal." 

It's kind of like coaching, she said. It is similar to pulling a group of people together with a common goal to form a team. 

"You figure out your offense and defense, put the play book together and work to ensure everyone is on the same page, speaking the same language," Ms. Stutz said. "It's challenging and fun."