When noting AFSOC’s posture and performance in building partner-nation capability, it must be remembered that one of AFSOC’s airmen gave his life performing this mission in 2012. Lt. Col. John D. Loftis was killed Feb. 25, 2012, in Kabul, Afghanistan, by an insider attack. Loftis spoke Pashtu and knew Afghan culture. He devoted himself to helping that country build its future after Taliban rule. His sacrifice is hereby remembered and honored.

 

Taking Care of People and Families

The most deployed wings, groups, and squadrons in the USAF are all in AFSOC; therefore, the most active and dynamic support programs for its people and for their families are also in AFSOC. Gone are the days when such programs garnered only lip service and an occasional spouse open house or spouse flight. The wings, squadrons, AFSOC command group, and even the retiree community prove commitment to the individuals and the families who are doing the mission.

It starts at the top and it also starts at the bottom. AFSOC has increased positions at the squadron level for chaplains, psychologists, and counselors to be present and available for those who need support – both serving personnel and family. AFSOC’s three wings highlight their programs by starting with spouse support that no longer depends on the shadow rank of the spouses but now identifies “key spouses” who have volunteered time to organize and work to support their unit’s spouses. The key spouses learn what resources are available at their respective wings’ and bases’ Family Support Centers at Hurlburt and Cannon, and ensure their spouse groups are informed and using what is available in the form of video calls, information about deployed conditions, and immediate communications in case of family emergencies. The spouse organizations are likewise informed and taught how to connect families to counseling available to spouses and children of those deployed.

Base programs are also put to good use, as Hurlburt’s 1st SOW and Cannon’s 27th SOW have held open houses to acquaint the local communities with wing missions, aircraft, and people. Both bases get excellent community support, with community leaders welcoming spouses of deployed members with discounts and with community-sponsored dinners. Spouses have also been invited to spousal flights on respective wing aircraft to see some of the working environment of their uniformed family members. The understanding that, in actuality, families perform the mission is clear in AFSOC at every level.

Special mentions should be made of the support given to one of several AFSOC members and their families in 2012 by the Air Commando Association (ACA), a private organization made up of AFSOC retirees and active-duty veterans. When one of the Hurlburt Civil Engineer Squadron’s EOD (explosive ordnance disposal) troops was badly wounded in action, the USAF provided transportation to his pregnant wife to meet him at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The triple amputee and his wife were surprised a few days later when five of her friends arrived to celebrate the previously planned baby shower on the scheduled day in their room at Walter Reed, courtesy of the ACA. Also, the ACA provided medical treatment for an airman at Cannon when the desired treatment was denied by TRICARE^®. The ACA has also provided transportation support for family members who come to assist their military relatives who are making permanent change of station moves when the family’s military member is wounded or deceased. The ACA is truly staying aware of needs as they arise and reacting in a strong spirit of community with the special operations airmen of today.

The Future of AFSOC, Planning AFSOC Force Posture/Responsive Resourcing

Fiel has directed AFSOC’s planning to align with the SOCOM commander’s intent concerning the future posturing of forces to facilitate a Global Special Operations Forces Network comprising of U.S. SOF with partner and allied nations. These plans comply with the “Capstone Concept for Joint Operations,” published in September 2012, which calls for a “globally postured joint force to quickly combine capabilities with itself and mission partners across domains, echelons, geographic boundaries, and organizational affiliations. These networks of forces and partners will form, evolve, dissolve, and reform in different arrangements in time and space with significantly greater fluidity than today’s joint force.”