The Air Force Services Agency (AFSVA), headquartered
in San Antonio, is a field operating agency of Headquarters U.S.
Air Force Services, Washington, D.C. It was formed during the
reorganization of Morale, Welfare and Recreation and Services
functions in 1993.
Mission
AFSVA supports the bases, major commands and Air Staff by fielding
new initiatives, developing procedures and managing central support
functions to ensure successful Services programs. The agency's
responsibilities include developing procedures to implement policy,
preparing responses to high-level
inquiries, providing technical assistance to the field, and developing
new programs that support major command and installation activities.
The agency manages Air Force central nonappropriated funds (NAFs)
and operates central systems for field support such as banking,
investments, purchasing, data flow, insurance and benefits programs,
and the personnel system. AFSVA supports the Air Force Morale,
Welfare, and Recreation Advisory Board and interacts with other
agencies and armed services in areas affecting Services.
Personnel
AFSVA has approximately 400 Air Force military and civilian personnel
assigned.
Organization
The agency is composed of six directorates to manage all Services
worldwide:
The Directorate of Financial Management and Comptroller manages
quality financial service to the agency, MAJCOMs and NAF instrumentalities
worldwide. It provides treasury management service; procedures
relating to appropriated fund resources; contractual debt collection;
Air Force-wide cash investment and management of NAF monies; decentralized
Air Force NAF payroll, portability and intern programs; central
accounting for Air Force construction programs; numerous personnel
benefit programs such as retirement, insurance and 401K programs;
and central fund accounting.
The Directorate of Force Management and Personnel is responsible
for the NAF personnel program, employee benefit programs and personnel
data system, and develops training programs and operational strategies
for Services work force training and career development. It serves
as a liaison with the Air Force manpower community, and manages
special programs and projects that evaluate and improve the quality
of Air Force Services operations. The directorate manages long-range
strategic plans and the NAF construction program. It is also responsible
for the infrastructure of the Air Force Services Agency to include
administration, squadron orderly room and building administration.
The Directorate of NAF Purchasing is responsible for providing
purchasing programs in support of all Services activities worldwide
through its nonappropriated fund purchasing office. The directorate
provides guidance, procedures and NAF purchasing training. An
on-going program, known as the Commanders' Smart Buy Program,
promotes the effectiveness of purchasing as a management tool.
The program assists all commanders, regardless of service component,
in acquiring quality products at favorable prices.
The Directorate of Programs assists managers in operating Air
Force Services programs including fitness, recreation, sports,
libraries and information centers, child development and youth
activities, entertainment, snack bars, amusement machine programs,
logistics service and marketing.
The Directorate of Management Systems is the single manager of
the Air Force-wide Services communications-computer systems (C-CS).
The directorate manages and controls the use and integration of
Services field and headquarters level C-CS systems.
The Directorate of Operations provides technical guidance and
assistance for food, lodging, club and laundry plant managers.
It also manages the worldwide Mortuary Affairs Program and provides
oversight and guidance for the Air Force Prime Readiness in Base
Services for active and Air Reserve component forces and troop
support.
History
The Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Program
has been recognized as being essential for creating and maintaining
the morale of military personnel. Services programs have long
provided essential food, lodging and services for military members.
MWR programs were first introduced during the Revolutionary War.
With the establishment of a huge "citizen" army during
World War I, the United Services Organization (Inc.) was founded
along with programs like library services, troop canteens and
sports programs. In 1920, the Army Motion Picture Service was
set up and was soon to be followed by the founding of service
clubs later during World War II.
Services programs also began during the Revolutionary War, with
billeting and food facilities serving as fundamental necessities
for military troops. Services' roots sprang from the supply and
civil engineering career fields and then branched off as its own
entity in 1992.
In 1992, MWR and Services merged Air Force wide, with the new
name, the Air Force Morale, Welfare, Recreation and Services Agency.
In 1993, the agency was renamed "Services," reflecting
the merger's success and focusing directly on what their programs
are all about -- service.
POINT OF CONTACT
Air Force Services Agency, Public Affairs Office; 10100 Reunion
Place, Suite 402; San Antonio, Texas 78216-4138; DSN 487-4945
or (210) 652-4945.
June 1996
