PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. — Airmen from the 21st Security Forces Squadron and the 21st Medical Group stepped into each other’s worlds through a unique personnel exchange program.
Three Airmen were selected from each unit to shadow their own leadership to understand why and how certain decisions are made. The Airmen sat in meetings and received insight from their commanders and other subject matter experts on topics affecting unit personnel, mission and current events.
“This initiative was led by the 21st SFS,” said U.S. Space Force Master Sgt. Alysha Ivory, 21st MDG first sergeant. “We were eager to participate as we firmly believe it’s essential for our support entities to have a deep understanding of the mission they enable.”
By fostering cross-team understanding, this initiative highlighted the interconnected nature of their roles in enabling further readiness and mission cohesiveness.
“This exchange enhanced the understanding of how each organization operates,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Shaun Houser, 21st SFS first sergeant. “So, when utilizing each other’s resources, the Airmen have a better understanding of the ‘why’ and ‘how.’”
After the shadowing portion of the exchange, the 21st SFS Airmen swapped places with the 21st MDG Airmen and received an immersion tour that covered each unit’s mission, vision, priorities and challenges.
“Before the exchange, I wasn’t sure what I was going to expect, but I was always curious as to what Security Forces does,” said Airman 1st Class Mark Lorenzo, 21 MDG administration manager. “I thought they work just like police officers do outside of the base.” The 21st MDG Airmen immersed with security forces at Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station and learned of the challenges defenders face in maintaining readiness for the Space Force.
Lorenzo shared that the exchange gave him valuable insights into security forces operations, particularly the thought process behind decisions made at the base defense operations center. He also gained a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices security forces personnel make — especially those working night shifts — who often have a difficult time trying to keep appointments with the medical group due to work and sleep hours.
“The MDG provided defenders with a holistic understanding of their operations and the vital support they contribute to the local mission set,” said Ivory. “The MDG aims to foster greater appreciation for the critical role their unit plays by directly demonstrating their capabilities and expertise in maintaining the health and readiness of service members and their families.” The exchange introduced two groups of Airmen to unforeseen territory, helping them understand the challenges their fellow Airmen face in their roles. The 21st SFS leadership hopes this marks the beginning of the exchange program and is likely to plan another exchange with other units on base in early 2025.
“This initiative enhances the operational readiness of both the SFS and the MDG in several ways,” Ivory said. “By fostering a deeper understanding of each unit’s mission, capabilities and challenges, we can improve our ability to work together seamlessly in support of the Space Force’s mission. This increased understanding will enable us to better anticipate and respond to the needs of each other, ultimately enhancing our overall effectiveness.”
- Published
- By Staff Sgt. Jaime Sanchez
- Space Base Delta 1, Public Affairs
