And now, your OSS team... Published Oct. 23, 2014 By Lt. Col. Isaac Oh 908th Airlift Wing MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- This is my favorite time of year, when the weather cools, seven-layer dip re-emerges, and the air buzzes with excitement as folks cheer on their favorite football teams. Watching a couple of games recently reminded me how similar the military is to a professional sports organization. From quarterbacks to offensive linemen (probably the most under-appreciated position), coaches, recruiters and business back-offices, each member has a unique and specialized role in creating a championship-ready outfit. The Operational Support Squadron (OSS) is just one of the 908th Airlift Wing's many "special teams," consisting of Airmen with expertise in Aircrew Flight Equipment (AFE), intelligence, Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE), tactics, and administrative support. Our Airmen in AFE work diligently to procure and maintain a wide range of equipment in top condition, regularly inspecting and servicing items such as parachutes, life rafts, weapons, and night vision goggles. Airmen in AFE and SERE also train aircrew members on proper equipment use to safely execute their mission. Intel keeps the wing informed of the current global situation by monitoring and presenting orders of battle, and analyzing the most relevant threats to our C-130 aircraft and current theater operations. Intel also works with Unit Deployment Managers to prepare Personnel Recovery-Isolated Personnel Reports for deploying members. Overhead are the administrative troops keeping the squadron running efficiently and smoothly. The comparisons between sports and the military are nothing new since we share many of the same winning principles. As Vince Lombardi said, "The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual." In today's environment, every team member counts more than ever, and together we make the 908th AW an unbeatable force.