Q&A: Interview with 388th MOS commander

  • Published
  • By Andrea V. Mason
  • 388th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  The 388th Maintenance Operations Squadron will deactivate June 28 as part of an Air Force-wide restructuring initiative to better allocate company and field grade officers to needed positions.

During the ceremony, the guidon flag will be furled, which symbolizes the official closure of the squadron.

I recently talked with the MOS commander, Maj. Jason Ross, and asked him to share his experience while leading the "Wizards" and how he thinks they feel about the deactivation.

What are your favorite memories as the 388th MOS commander?
My favorite memories are the times where I got to socialize with the Airmen of the maintenance operations squadron. Talking with our young troops to discuss reasons for joining the Air Force, discussing their personal goals and dreams, or just chatting about the weekend's events are the memories that I will take with me. I hope at some point to receive an email from one of them saying, "Thanks for that conversation, and I think it helped me reach my goal."

What was one of the most significant accomplishments of the unit during your time as the commander?
The most significant accomplishment was the preparatory work we conducted leading up to the compliance inspection last year. MOS rose above and earned the Wing's only Logistics Compliance Assessment Team "Excellent" rating and the MOS/maintenance group staff garnered 50 percent of the outstanding performers. Not too bad for the maintenance group's smallest squadron!

How do the 388th MOS Airmen feel about the deactivation?
Initially there were questions about how the deactivation would impact them; however, through numerous communication methods their questions were addressed leaving an understanding that change in the Air Force is inevitable but also with hopes that the maintenance operations squadron's flag could once again fly within the 388th Fighter Wing.

What's in store for other officers like yourself that will be reallocated to different positions and career fields?
Essentially, the only person that will have additional roles and responsibilities is my deputy, Maintenance Operations Flight officer in charge, Capt. Andrew Cobb. He will become the commander for what used to be MOS. No other positions will be affected.

If you could talk face to face with each of the 388th MOS Airmen, what would you say?
I would - and have told them - to reach for the stars. If they have dreams and if along that path to obtaining their dreams someone tells them they cannot do it, then find someone else to talk to!

Why did you join the Air Force?
I enlisted in the Air Force in 1991 primarily to take advantage of the educational opportunities that tuition assistance and the Montgomery G.I. Bill provided at the time. Additionally, I wanted to see more of the world than just my home state.

Talk about your journey to become the 388th MOS commander.
I am not sure how far back you want me to go, but I will start with June 1996. As a Senior Airman in the 95th Fighter Squadron at Tyndall AFB, Fla., I was on the flightline reflecting on my pending departure to earn my commission through the ROTC Scholarship for Outstanding Airmen, when I thought, "When I return as an officer, I want to give back to those that gave to me."

During every step of my career between now and then, whether as a flight commander, assistant professor, or operations officer, home-station or deployed, I looked for opportunities to help our Airmen achieve their dreams. However, as a commander, you have the authority to impact their careers with the stroke of the pen, and I can say for certain that I fulfilled, and will continue to fulfill, that promise I made nearly 17 years ago.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
While the flag may be lowered on June 28, 2013, thus inactivating the squadron, the men and the women of the 388th Maintenance Operations Squadron will remain in place. I am confident that their selfless sacrifice and dedication to duty will continue long after the squadron stands down. May the spirit of the MOS Wizards remain forever! "MOS... Hell yes!"