MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- For the 22nd Maintenance Group, total force integration isn't just a concept, it's a way of life.
Originally implemented in 1973, the Total Force Policy has continued to guide decisions about how the manpower resources available to the active, reserve, retired military, federal civilian, contractor and allied support personnel are structured to protect the nation's interests.
In a memo dated Nov. 24, 2008, Robert M. Gates, former U.S. secretary of defense, laid out the policy of total force integration to close the divide between active, reserve and guard components.
On December 2, 2011, Col. Ricky Rupp, 22 Air Refueling Wing commander, and Col. William Mason, 931st Air Refueling Group commander, marked the opening of McConnell's Total Force Maintenance.
"We're one big maintenance team, no matter which aircrew is flying," said Col. Donald Robison, 931st Air Refueling Group maintenance deputy commander.
Built on the three models of classic, active and reserve component associates, TFI enhances the Air Force's ability to conduct its mission through the sharing of resources between active duty and ARC components including aircraft, crews, maintenance and support.
Along with the opening of the total force maintenance facility, maintenance leaders of both the 22nd ARW and 931st ARG are now co-located.
"The 931st leadership is mirrored to active duty on a daily basis," said Col. Eric Faison, 22nd Maintenance Group commander. "We work hand in hand to make sure we can fly those missions and we can maintain and launch the aircraft."
Currently only the aircraft maintenance and maintenance squadrons are fully integrated. There are plans in the works to join together all squadrons within the maintenance group.
"We have to stay consolidated to make this work," said Faison.
One of McConnell's major accomplishments so far was receiving a score of 89.4 on the latest logistics compliance assessment program inspection. The inspection evaluates various units including quality assurance, aerospace ground equipment and maintenance safety. A Logistics Compliance Assessment Team performs these inspections to provide leadership with an accurate assessment of unit's performance abilities, as well as personal evaluation assessments of individuals within the units.
"We came in, worked as one team and were graded as one team where in the past everything was separated," said Robison. "We have made huge strides into being a fully integrated maintenance work force. We talk about 'one team, one fight' and we're really trying to live that."