SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The 50th Security Forces Squadron transitioned from a 12-hour schedule to an 8-hour shift Jan. 4 for its Defenders.
Previously, Airmen in the SFS worked an Alaskan Flex schedule, which included 12-hour shifts on the weekends and 8-hour shifts throughout the week.
Master Sgt. Jerald Harris, 50th SFS noncommissioned officer in charge of operations, said improved manning in the 50th SFS will allow the unit to better serve Airmen.
“With any schedule, you want to try to find one that fits the force and unit,” Harris said. “Everything is aligned and spelled out for everyone to understand. This schedule provides additional flexibility.”
Harris, along with Capt. Michael Bruno, 50th SFS operations officer and Senior Master Sgt. Jason Spedding, 50th SFS operations superintendent, each helped build the revised schedule.
They then presented the information to SFS leadership to assist them with the change.
“Leadership provided us with perspective and looked at the overall needs and requirements of Airmen and the overall bigger picture,” Harris said. “This schedule is structured and very consistent as well.”
In addition to 8-hour shifts, Defenders will only work four days a week. Defenders can select either Wednesday through Saturday or Sunday through Wednesday for their schedule.
“A lot of people are excited about the change,” Bruno said. “While I was at Peterson, myself and my team were able to transition them from 12-hour shifts, which they enjoyed. We hold the same expectations here.”
The 50th SFS’s schedule also allow Airmen to train together twice per month every other Wednesday since all Defenders work that day.
“This will allow us to continue to improve the readiness and lethality of our Defenders,” Spedding said. “It also allows them time off and to recover from the week.”
Senior Airman Xavier Cortez, 50th SFS Response Force leader, said the he’ll use the amended schedule to dedicate more time to his collegiate work.
Cortez said he’s working to obtain a degree in criminal justice from University of Arizona Global Campus. The extra time will provide him and his spouse the opportunity to focus on school.
“This is the first base I’ve worked at where everyone [in security forces] is working an 8 [hour shift],” Cortez said. “I think this is great because it benefits everyone and what we’re able to do outside of work.”