352nd SOG gets new members up to speed on mission, priorities

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Marelise Wood
  • 352nd Special Operations Group Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  To enable a smooth transition for members making a permanent change of station to the 352nd Special Operations Group, every quarter the group offers newcomers and their families a one-day orientation - the Introduction to (the 352nd) Special Operations Group (ISOG).

During the most recent iteration of ISOG, the 352nd SOG commander addressed new members of the "Air Commando" family, emphasizing the group's mission, people, and best use of resources. He also elaborated on his dual-hatted position as both 352nd SOG commander and Joint Special Operations Air Component-Europe (JSOAC-E) commander.

"The JSOAC-E and 352nd SOG conduct high-priority missions and engagements across Europe, Africa, and elsewhere, often to strategic-level impact," said Col. Gary "Chainsaw" McCollum, 352nd SOG commander. "We must be ready to rapidly deploy to areas of crisis and execute our mission safely, effectively, and efficiently...the first time and every time. Every Air Commando has a critical role to play, and we rely heavily on each other. It is imperative that each of you become the expert in your particular duties and understand how you relate to the larger effort. Individually and collectively, we must be the absolute best at executing our mission, taking care of our people (including family members), and shepherding our resources." He continued by thanking the spouses and family members for their service and sacrifice on behalf of our nation.

Following the commander's remarks, the rest of the day was spent learning firsthand about the capabilities of the JSOAC-E and 352nd SOG. The attendees toured the 67th Special Operations Squadron, the 7th SOS, the 352nd Special Operations Maintenance Squadron, 352nd Special Operations Support Squadron, the 321st Special Tactics Squadron, the JSOAC-E Headquarters, and Detachment 2, 25th Intelligence Squadron.
Attendees were briefed on the group's flying mission and toured the aircraft flown by the 67th SOS, who employ the MC-130P Combat Shadow and the 7th SOS, who employ the MC-130H Combat Talon II. They also got to meet Airmen of the 352nd SOMXS, the team of specialists who keep these aircraft ready to fly.

Later that day, the attendees got a better understanding of the role of the Det 2, 25th IS, the group's specialized intelligence and information operations unit.

At the 352nd SOSS, attendees were briefed on that squadron's integral role of providing special operations planning, intelligence, communications, medical, security, and weather special operations support. Additionally, the attendees were given the rare opportunity to tour the Joint Air Operations Center, the secure area housing the JSOAC-E and 352nd SOG command and control hub.

This tour was closely followed by a briefing on the JSOAC-E, which is co located with the 352nd SOSS headquarters. The JSOAC-E shoulders the responsibility of being United States European Command's single manager for joint SOF air planning and command and control of air assets supporting SOF missions.

For a more hands-on experience, the attendees were also taken to the 321st STS, the rapidly deployable pararescuemen, combat controllers, and special operations weathermen based in the European theater. With the aid of its support element, the squadron is able to deploy on short notice to meet mission requirements across the globe. Here, the ISOG attendees were briefed on the capabilities of the squadron and got a hands-on experience with some of the unit's specialized equipment.

The attendees also received briefings from the 352nd SOG historian and a member of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.

"This has allowed me to learn more about the mission and where my duties fit into it," said Tech. Sgt. Virginia King, Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of Manpower and Organization. King , who comes to the unit with her husband and two small children, also said, "I would recommend this tour to all newcomers to help them better understand what an important role our unit plays in the Air Force, the joint environment, and ongoing overseas contingency operations."