Squadron keeps information flow smooth

You've got mail!While many might not give much thought or consideration as to how critical information is shared or disseminated across Cannon Air Force Base there are knowledge operations managers working diligently through the duty day to ensure communication channels flow seamlessly across the 27th Special Operations Wing.

"We are a newer career field that deals heavily in administration and management of sharing data," said Staff Sgt. Gricelda Rubio, 27th Special Operations Communications Squadron assistant NCO in charge of knowledge operations. "We are in charge of creating, managing and granting rights on the Share Point site as well as maintaining components on the Air Force portal.

U.S. Air Force photo: Airman 1st Class Alexxis Pons Abascal

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Kyle Johnson, 27th Special Operations Communications Squadron knowledge operations manager, loads mail into the mail truck to be delivered to squadrons at Cannon Air Force Base. Knowledge operations managers ensure communication channels flow seamlessly across the 27th Special Operations Wing.

"Share Point offers Cannon a network through which personnel can share things like working documents with other members on base. It's a manner of moving information across agencies quickly and efficiently.

Along with ensuring the Share Point is functioning properly, knowledge operations managers update information on the Air Force portal to reflect the most current information for respective installations — commander's biographies and factsheets are two examples of updates.

"The other side of our career field is routing mail for the base," Rubio said. "We channel all official mail for Cannon.

"Knowledge operations managers ensure the safety of Air Commandos within the wing by utilizing several tools to check mail. An ion scan machine and X-ray devices are used to scan packages for hazardous materials before they reach their destinations.

"It's all about keeping our people safe and secure," said Airman 1st Class Daisey Forsyth, 27 SOCS knowledge operations manager. "We implement a 100 percent scan system to avoid missing potential threats.

"There are items that warrant notification of supervisors or first sergeants before they can be delivered or released to Airmen living in the dormitories on base. This is another safety measure taken by knowledge ops.

Troops with the shop are also base records managers. They oversee the staging area used to house records for all groups within the wing. Critical records with long-standing disposition dates are collected by the shop, organized and added into a digital database for safekeeping.

"One of the most important things for us is to not get complacent," Forsyth said. "Complacency often equates to making mistakes and we can't afford any slip-ups in our line of work."