An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Teamwork gets the mission done

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Dave Cowan
  • 407th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron Commander
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Teamwork here at Ali Base -- you can't get anything done without depending on someone else to help you out. We are all part of a team that provides airpower, right here, right now.

For example, while you sleep, the following happens: Someone in power production is ensuring the generators run to keep electricity flowing to your tent. Lots of security forces are on the prowl to keep those who might seek to do you harm in your sleep well clear of you. The Ali Command Post is integrating lots of inputs -- from lots of people -- ready to warn you at a moment's notice. The fuels folks ensure gas is going to the generators, keeping you warm and the Security Forces mobile. The Intel night shift is monitoring, well, all that top secret Ouija board stuff they do, the many sources on what the bad guys are about to or try to do -- to you while you are asleep.

Near the runway, there are four of my air traffic controllers watching to ensure aircraft are doing what they are supposed to -- using the radar. Two controllers are watching out the tower window. Hopefully, no airplanes will sneak up on us to wake you up.

Intel, the Command Post, and Air Traffic Control are almost completely inoperative without all the high technology, high performance communications gear and services the Communications Squadron provides. Those Airmen are up watching systems so they can keep you safe.

Your tent-mates -- who may be working another shift are not bothering you because the Services Squadron has so many activities that they are happy to be elsewhere and enjoying themselves -- while letting you sleep. The tent you are staying in, is keeping the rain away, and you dry -- was acquired by the Logistics Readiness Squadron, and erected by the Civil Engineer Squadron (with some help from a few friends). Outside of the base, there are quite a number of our Army brethren keeping watch for bad guys. In short -- just for you to sleep, there are hundreds of your peers involved.

Consider all the folks who work to receive an aircraft to bring one passenger in or out of Ali! Airfield Management takes the reservation and issues the permission. Logistics Readiness makes preparations for those departing and arriving. PERSCO in-processes and out-processes Air Force personnel. All these Airmen are interacting and coordinating with other distant Airmen. Air Traffic Control handles the aircraft arrival. Transient Alert handles the aircraft on the ground, and provides aircraft servicing. The Aerial Port and the Passenger Terminal load and unload cargo and passengers. Fuels personnel refuel the aircraft. Security Forces forms their invisible cordon to keep threats away. The Fire Department stands ready when someone really needs rescue.

Consider the workers the DFAC employs to feed everyone. We'd be pretty hungry without them. I sure am glad Contracting has the paperwork correct! Just like everyone else here -- those contractors are essential.

I'm sure I've left important units out of my discussion, but the point of this article is -- all our work helps others get the mission done, just as they help you get your mission done -- and we can't get the mission done without everyone contributing.

Everyone here at Ali Base is essential -- that means your contribution is essential -- and the Air Force can't get the job done without teamwork.