HILL AIR FORCE BASE, UT -- Col. Charles Mood, the Florida native who assumed command of the 419th Mission Support Group in March, took time to answer some questions regarding his military history and his vision for the future.
How long have you been in the Air Force?
I was commissioned on April 23, 1980, as an Officer Training School graduate at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. That gives me just a tad over 28 years of commissioned service. Five years of that time was a break in service. My active duty career was very short-lived. I had served one year (1980-1981) and was caught up in a period where the Air Force wanted to reduce their number of officers and I was separated to inactive status. I was offered the opportunity to serve in the Reserve at the time. A year or two later I received notice in the mail that I had been promoted to first lieutenant. This led me to seek a position in the Air Force Reserve at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida, in 1985.
Why did you join the Air Force?
As far as I can remember I always wanted to join the military. Part of it was a strong love of history. The other part was because of a strong military family tradition. My grandfather was in the Merchant Marine. My dad's uncle was a ship's captain also in the Merchant Marine. His nickname was "Iceberg Smith" because of his effective use of icebergs to evade the enemy. My father retired as a captain in the United States Marine Corps (10 years enlisted, 10 years as an officer). My dad's brothers also served; one retired from the Navy, the other was in the Army Air Corps. My brother retired as a master sergeant in the Air Force. I followed his footsteps and chose the Air Force because I wanted to serve in what I determined was the best branch of the service.
What jobs have you had in the Air Force?
I've had numerous jobs in the Air Force. I've been an Intelligence Officer with the 301st Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron; a Food Service Officer in the 482d Civil Engineer Squadron; a Chief of Morale Welfare and Recreation in the 482d Mission Support Squadron; a Services Commander with the 482d Services Flight; a Wing Executive Officer for two 482d Fighter Wing commanders; a Logistics Readiness Officer/Squadron Commander with the 482d Logistics Readiness Squadron, where I also served as the Installation Deployment Officer for Homestead Air Reserve Base; and now a Mission Support Group Commander with the 419th Fighter Wing here at Hill AFB, Utah. Each job just seemed better than the last.
Tell us about your experience in the Air Force Reserve.
I've had a wonderful experience with the Air Force Reserve, but I have never experienced as much change as I have in the last few years. When I joined, we were a force in reserve, the Cold War was on, and there was no first strike policy. It was not as demanding as it is now. Yes, we did our UTAs, trained, completed PME, and attended schools, but our annual tours had an element of "vacation" with them that they do not now. Now we are an operational force, we are in the middle of a Global War on Terrorism, and the force is more down-to-business, with more defined goals and priorities. One thing I'm glad to say has not changed--the great people that I work with every day. This has always been a constant.
What are some of your goals as the new Mission Support Group commander?
As with any commander, my goals are those of the Air Force. But there are some third-tier goals that I would like to accomplish. One is to develop the 419th Mission Support Group into a recognized leader within the Air Force Reserve Command. This includes being a combat ready force, a highly proficient force at home, and an award-winning force. Another goal is to work facility issues so that the wing has facilities that are conducive to sustaining high performance. That means we have the proper space authorized and that they are located as centralized as we can get them.
What is one unique characteristic you bring to the table now that you are the MSG/CC?
I have a vast Mission Support Group background that was developed at a unit where we owned and were responsible for the entire base. We actually had active duty tenants. As a host, you have to add a little extra evaluation to your decisions, as they may adversely affect others. You are constantly aware of the law of unintended consequences.
What is one thing your Airmen should know about you?
My Airmen should know that I push my people to be professional and the best they can be.