HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- Dining facility customers can expect to see a new change implemented at dining facilities throughout the Air Force beginning Oct. 1.

According to an Air Force memorandum released May 2013, customers will be required to bus their own table and take their dishes to an identified dish collection point. This change will take the responsibility away from dining facility employees who currently provide the service.

This is one of many changes being made throughout the Air Force to meet the coming fiscal year budget challenges, according to Dave Mickler, 1st Special Operation Force Support Squadron dining facility manager.

Mickler said this minor policy change will help cut contract cost and reduce man powers.

"I don't think the change will drastically affect the Air Force because we used to do it this way years ago," he said. "The biggest issue with the change on Hurlburt Field is the affect it will have on traffic going through the dining facilities."

Over the years, compartments where trays were stored for cleaning have gradually moved from the front of dining facilities to the back. Because of this, dining facilities must prepare for potential traffic jams, especially during the peak business hours.

Soon customers turning in their trays will add to the traffic of those trying to eat and find seating.

"It will be a little confusing in the first few weeks as with any change, but we will have [military personnel] here to help with flow of traffic," he said.

For more information on food service changes on Hurlburt Field, contact the food service office at 884-4970.