Strengthening the Base and Team: Client Systems technicians

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Matthew Lancaster
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  This is the fourth in a series of articles relating to an overview of the 51st Fighter Wing priorities at Osan Air Base. The major role Team Osan plays in the Republic of Korea and the extent of its mission will be showcased this week in the way Team Osan "Strengthens the Base and Team." Next week, we will provide an in-depth look at how Team Osan can make Osan AB a better assignment by making "Growing leadership and professionalism." Concluding this series will be a wrap-up article with a video reiterating the importance of the wing's priorities.

"There is no I in team," as the old saying goes. Here at Osan, Republic of Korea, that saying speaks the truth. Teamwork is impeccably important in the achievement of any mission, and the ability to strengthen the base and team is one of the main priorities of the 51st Fighter Wing. Working behind the wires of a vast communication network linking Team Osan together, the 51st Communication Squadron Client System technicians develop and use their skills every day to better connect the base and strengthen the team.

Client systems technicians are known as the technical support of an Air Force base. They go to each squadron, solving any communication troubles that involve the customer's phone, computer, or network. Their job is to install new hardware, software and patches onto computers and trouble shoot and then fix problems.

"We are known as the face of comm," said Senior Airman Michael Whitesel, 51st CS client systems technician. "We are the ones the customer meets and interacts with on a daily basis."

In order to provide support for more than 7,000 users, the 34 technicians are divided into teams of two to three people. One team focuses their attention on creating secret internet protocol router network accounts for anyone permanently changing their station to Osan or coming on a temporary duty assignment. Another team is in charge of providing communication support to military members O-6 and above as well as high level government officials. This team makes it their top priority to ensure the base commanders and visiting distinguished guests have properly working communication equipment that they would need whether it be a black berry or computer. All other teams are given trouble tickets for communication issues for the rest of the base.

The client systems shops may be the ones that see the customers but they work closely with other shops with in comm. to be able to complete the tasks given to them.

"We need the other shops to accomplish the job," said Tech. Sgt. Marvin Teyes, NCO in charge of distinguished visitor support. "For instance, if a computer has a network problem we would have to coordinate with our network management section. We work hand-in-hand with them to ensure that the network connection from the wall reaches the computer."

As the world continues to move into an age where communication tools become more digital, it is the communications squadrons who help the base transition into that era. Client systems techs ensure the communication of necessary information can continue to be passed between people by maintaining up to date equipment.

"We ensure that everyone is able to do their job on a communication standpoint," said Teyes. "As technology continues to progress it is our job to keep up with that."

Without the use of email or the ability to make a phone call, information would be passed around at a slower rate. Osan's team becomes stronger with the support of the 51st CS. They enable the members of the base to be able to stay connected to other units to ensure the each mission gets completed smoother and faster.