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Rock Solid Warrior: Senior Airman Malcolm Faulkner

  • Published
  • 386th Expeditionary Communications Squadron
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Rank/First & Last Name: Senior Airman Malcolm Faulkner

Deployed Unit: 386th Expeditionary Communications Squadron

Duty Title: Communications Focal Point Technician

Home unit/station: 355 Communications Squadron, Davis Monthan AFB, Arizona

Family's military heritage: My father retired from the Marine Corps and older brother retired from the Navy.

What is your mission here? Provide Tier 1 operations and maintenance for our voice, data and video communications network directly enabling the 386 AEW to generate and project combat forces and equipment throughout the CENTCOM Area of Operations.

What are some of the best parts of your mission? The satisfaction of being able to solve customer problems and knowing the results of what I do have a direct impact on keeping the mission going.

What are some of the challenges you face while conducting your mission, and how do you overcome them? Being in a joint environment and finding the fastest way to resolve a customer's issue because they vary greatly from home station. I overcome the challenge by using prior experiences and the help of my team.

How does your job differ in a deployed environment vs. home base? Our team had to come together a lot quicker and there isn't much time to learn on the fly. You have to be flexible and patient as you learn the local processes while also trying to satisfy customer requirements. The basics however are not that different.

How many times have you deployed? I have deployed three times 

What makes this deployment unique? The awesome fall and winter weather

Why did you join the Air Force? Job security and the unique experiences that only the military can offer