MSG CC discusses goals and expectations for group

Published July 23, 2018
By Senior Airman Eli Chevalier
377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Kirtland Public Affairs sat down with the new 377th Mission Support Group commander, Col. Juan Alvarez, to discuss the MSG, near-term goals, and taking care of Airmen and families.

Could you discuss the scope of the MSG mission?

In laymen’s terms, we act as the city manager. We do the things that keep the base going, that help keep that lights on. Our actions support that all the other missions. Whether that’s nuclear logistics, building partnerships or taking care of Airmen and their families, that’s what we do. Whether it’s giving out IDs, making sure the fitness center is open so people can maintain their fitness or writing contracts. Logistically, getting them out to deployment, bringing them home safely, getting them the gear they need, the training they need. We are in the background supporting the base.

What is a primary objective for you as you take this post?

Highlighting the great stuff our Airmen do. And “Airmen” includes civilians, contractors, enlisted Airmen and officers; and just telling their story. They deserve to walk around with their heads high and chests out and we need to ensure they are duly recognized so people understand what our contribution is to the mission.

Can you share about the mentorship you have received and how it has shaped your leadership style?

Very similar to the golden rule, treat others as you would like to be treated. There are going to be times when some of that is tough love and others where it’s going to be wanting to get to know someone. When you get to know someone on an individual level, you get to know what makes them tick, you can identify when they are going through some problems and where you can help out. And then you also know what to do to get them motivated to make themselves the best person they can be, whether it’s through education, through any type of learning, being the best family member they can be, those are the mentorship things that guide my leadership style and hope will be reflected in my group.

The Air Force chief of staff has described Airmen as the key enabler for all of the Air Force’s priorities and a critical asset to Joint Warfighting success and to the nation. How does this play out in the context of the MSG mission?

Human capital, the human weapon system, is absolutely our most precious resource. It takes a lot of time, effort and training to make an Airman what they are today and every single one of the Airmen we have has unique experience and they bring something special to the fight that no one else does. So highlighting their experience, highlighting their knowledge and their approach to problem solving is what makes us unique. I absolutely agree with the CSAF that they are our number one asset. And part of that is their families. I can have a great Airman doing great things but if he is having issues at home, we fail if we don’t care of that family. It’s not just the Airmen themselves, it’s the Airmen and their families. I’m talking mom, dad, sister, brother, not just spouses, I’m talking everybody. Our job is to make sure we take care of them and their families so they can focus on doing the mission and becoming the best Airmen they can possibly be.

What are the top focus areas you want MSG Airmen to keep in mind as they execute the mission?

That’s a great question. Be the best Airmen they can be. Support the customer. We may not always be able to give them exactly what they think they want, but we need to be able to give them what they need. Sometimes that’s a ‘Hey we can’t do it this way, but we can do it this way.’ It may not be exactly what they had in mind but it gives them the support they need to do the mission.

What is your impression of the MSG so far?

I think it’s wonderful. Like any organization we have issues, but we are going to get after those issues. We are going to provide world-class customer support, we are going to be here to help Airmen and their families and continue supporting the mission as best as we possibly can. They have treated us like family since we walked through the door. Everyone associated with the group has made us feel like we are family and they welcomed us with open arms.