AF reservists at Hurlburt vital asset to command and control excellence

  • Published
  • By Capt. Laura Ropelis
  • 505th CCW Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  As part of the Air Force's Total Force Integration initiative, the 505th Command and Control Wing welcomes Det. 1 of the 706th Fighter Squadron.

The 505th CCW is the Air Force's only wing dedicated to operational-level command and control, playing a key role in the Air Force TFI initiative, while providing the tools, training and skills warfighters need to win the Global War on Terrorism.

"The stand up of Det. 1 is an important milestone for this wing," said Col. Jack Shanahan, 505th CCW commander. "While you won't see any new airplanes on the Hurlburt flight line, the integration of Total Force personnel within the 505th will pay enormous dividends by providing stability and continuity to our mission of training command and control warriors."

Det. 1, the parent squadron of the 706th FS, is a Reserve unit at Nellis Air Force base in Nevada. Both organizations belong to the 926th Group at Nellis Air Force base. The 926th Group is a Reserve group that provides Total Force personnel across the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center and within the 432nd Wing at Creech Air Force Base, Nev. 

The TFI initiative was adopted as the Total Force Policy in 1973 and, according to the Department of Defense, has "guided decisions about how people available to the DOD ... active, Reserve component, retired military, federal civilian, service auxiliaries and contractors are structured to protect the nation's interests. The integrated capabilities of the Total Force are essential to successfully implementing U.S. defense strategy and, indeed, are a prerequisite to a cost-effective force structure." 

Reservists perform duty in active-duty Air Force units under the 505th CCW, an Air Combat Command tenant unit on Hurlburt. They work side by side with their active duty counterparts and use their civilian skills to complement their military training, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Air Force. They often serve as instructors for a wide range of training courses and exercises focused on the operational-level of warfare, supporting air and space component commanders across the world.

"This is definitely not your parents' Reserve program," said Lt. Col. Pat Ryan, Det. 1 commander. "Since we're here to participate in the active duty mission at the 505th CCW, we generally don't perform duty on weekends unless our active duty Air Force partners are participating in an event or exercise over the weekend.

"Our reservists are flexible and dedicated to the Air Force, often taking time off from their civilian jobs to meet the challenges of the Air Force and serve their country. The 505th CCW welcomes the Det. 1, 706th FS, and appreciates their service and commitment," Colonel Ryan said.

"The Air Force Reserve will continue to bring stability to the uniformed ranks of the 505 CCW," Colonel Shanahan said. "While we are facing resource and manning challenges like any other unit in the Air Force today, I am optimistic that the integration of reservists will help us solve those resource shortfalls while providing excellent growth opportunities for our Reserve Airmen. I warmly welcome reservists into 'Team 505th.'"

The detachment is currently recruiting personnel in the following AFSC's: 11, 12, 13B, 13S, 14N, 1N, 1C and 3C. Interested personnel should contact Tech. Sgt. Sandy Pope at sandra.pope@hurlburt.af.mil or 884-9395 or Colonel Ryan at Patrick.ryan@hurlburt.af.mil or 884-9395. For more information, visit http://www.505ccw.acc.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=5198.