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Rock Solid Warrior

  • Published
  • 586th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Tech. Sgt. Alicia Mason 

Information manager and client support administrator

Home unit/base: 49th Mission Support Group, Holloman Air Force Base, N.M.

How do you support the mission here? My primary responsibility as the client support administrator is to make sure users comply with network policies and procedures. I also assist combatant commanders and unit commanders with what ever they need. I assist in keeping track of Airmen accountability and awards and decorations. I am also the equal opportunity leader, sexual assault response coordinator and the unit's postal clerk ensuring that our Airmen are able to receive care packages from their loved ones.

How many times have you deployed and what makes this one unique? This is my first deployment. What makes this truly unique is the fact that I trained like a security forces member learning detainee operations with the 886th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. When I arrived in country, however, my position was needed in the 586 ESFS force protection unit. Being able to train like SF it gave me confidence and helped build a stronger relationship with the Airmen. During a mission, I was called upon to conduct unexploded ordnance sweep outside our base along side SF. That was a defining moment for me. I realized that no matter what career field an Airman is in, it's everyone's responsibility to ensure he or she trained to meet all mission requirements.

How does your job differ in a deployed environment versus home base? At home station every resource that you need for your unit's mission is easily accessible. In theater, it can be the biggest challenge getting what you need to complete the mission. That's where my job as an information manager comes in; it's my responsibility to tackle those issues so that our unit can continue their mission. Sometimes we take a new phone, computer or desk for your office for granted. It's the little things that I do out here that give me the greatest satisfaction as an information manager for my unit.