MacDill units embrace 'one team, one fight'

by Airman 1st Class Ned T. Johnston
6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

1/24/2014 - MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The Air Force has long been a shining example of how active-duty, National Guard and reserve components can come together for Total Force Integration; together being able to achieve a greater overall effectiveness, while still preserving their separate cultures.

The Airmen with the 6th Air Mobility Wing and the 927th Air Refueling Wing are no exception to this reputation.

In 2008, the Air Force Reserve Command's 927th ARW was relocated to MacDill, where it became the premier associate wing to the 6th AMW.

Immediately the servicemen and women from the 6th and the 927th started working together seamlessly. What started as two separate wings very quickly became one larger, more efficient MacDill Air Force Base.

"MacDill's command post is a prime example of an integrated total force unit," said Maj. Michael Albert, 927th ARW command post chief. "We have active duty, reservists, and civilians working side by side under one roof."

MacDill's 33 command post Airmen work shifts around the clock to ensure the base operates smoothly and effectively.

Command post Airmen work right in the middle of all the action. They are essential for keeping the commander in contact with higher levels of command, scheduling flights, and making sure aircraft receive the proper loading and off-loading of cargo.

With so many different components in one unit, working as one team is paramount to mission success.

"The integrated total force works beautifully in the command post," said Tech. Sgt. Sandi Ruela. "For instance, I'm the NCOIC of the 927th command post training. My counterpart, Tech. Sgt. Montellano, is the NCOIC of the 6th command post training. However, we do everything together. I train the reserves and active-duty folks, and he does the same in return. We are one team in here."

With trying times ahead for the Air Force, MacDill's command post has already started taking steps toward a leaner, more efficient MacDill Air Force Base and proves to be a model unit for future Total Force Integration.