JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
By having command support staff handling administrative and communication duties and programs, unit members at every level can focus on core missions, which impact member and mission readiness.
Joint Base Charleston’s CSS Airmen are responsible for managing a variety of tasks and work closely with base leaders and directors to assist with their daily workload.
“Our office coordinates anything from human resources and managing calendars to arranging video teleconferences and preparing visual aids for command briefings,” said Senior Airman Ramon Santiago-Rosado, 437th Airlift Wing Executive Support Services administrator. “All these things keep leadership informed about any changes potentially impacting the mission so they can determine what actions need to be taken.”
Additionally, these Airmen manage and track unit awards, decorations and evaluations, while overseeing programs including, promotion testing, Leave Web, security management and unit Drug Demand Reduction programs.
“We work hand-in-hand with everyone in the wing by preparing official documents involving unit member security clearances, flightline authorization badges and secure communication lines,” said Airman 1st Class Samuel Tyler, 628th Air Base Wing Executive Support Services administrator. “These things can affect the base’s ability to perform and operate at its optimal level.”
Due to the busy and often hectic schedules, administrators must be adaptable and flexible when performing tasks.
“Time management and flexibility are vital within the CSS,” said Master Sgt. Denise McQueen, 437th AW Executive Support Services superintendent. “You can have your day sketched out, but it usually never goes as planned. Being able to adapt to new tasks or last minute changes is important since we are heavily relied on.”
According to Santiago-Rosado, despite some challenges in CSS, being able to interact with commanders face-to-face is rewarding.
“There's definitely a great sense of pride in this position,” said Santiago-Rosado. “Knowing commanders trust and have confidence in our abilities to perform and handle multiple tasks is fulfilling.”