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Total Force Integration leads to Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for Scott unit

  • Published
  • By Maj Jennifer C. Howsare
  • 126th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Several units from the 126th Air Refueling Wing were recently awarded an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, or AFOUA, with one award having a unique twist due to a special relationship.

Recently the 126th Maintenance Group, Illinois Air National Guard, including the 126th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, the 126th Maintenance Squadron, the 906th Air Refueling Squadron, and the 126th Maintenance Operations Flight, was awarded the AFOUA for the period of Oct. 1, 2008 through Sept. 30, 2010; and the 126th Supply Chain Management Squadron, Illinois Air National Guard, received the award for the period of July 7, 2008, through July 6, 2010.

"For the 906th ARS, this award is a direct representation of the strength of the bond in a relatively new relationship and Total Force Integration concept throughout the Air Force," said Lt. Col. Doug Edwards, commander, 906th Air Refueling Squadron. "As a TFI Active-Associate squadron, the 906th ARS works shoulder-to-shoulder with their 126th ARW Air National Guard counterparts. Each component brings strengths to the associate relationship, which facilitates mission accomplishment."

Being an Active-Associate unit also makes the 906th ARS unique in hierarchy. Unlike traditional squadrons where specific functions are delineated by group, the 906th contains operations, maintenance, and mission support functions all integrated by job specialty across the 126th ARW.

The AFOUA was authorized by Department of the Air Force General Order 1, Jan. 6, 1954. While the AFOUA is not new, associated units within the Air Force are a relatively new concept. This specific AFOUA award for the 906 ARS is directly linked to the efforts of the 126th and 906th maintenance communities. The award is a testament to the truly distinctive nature and interconnectedness of associated relationships, both inside and outside of the associated units.