Thinking Beyond the Fence

Air Force Reserve Command has adopted a new initiative aimed at building a better relationship between mission support group commanders at its installations and local city leaders. Known as “MSG as City Managers,” the initiative’s goal “is to change the way MSG thinks,” said Col. Michael McCully, AFRC’s installations and mission support director, in an Aug. 9 command release. He added, “We are part of the local community. We just cannot worry about inside the fence. We must know what’s going on outside the fence as well.” MSG commanders typically serve as advisors to their wing commanders on local issues including everything from noise complaints to natural disasters. “Familiarity between leaders enhances our abilities to serve our nation and citizens of the local communities we are a part of,” said Col. William Stephens, 315th MSG commander at JB Charleston, S.C. (Robins report by Chandra Lloyd)