Space unit to grow, become more self-sufficient Published Oct. 23, 2006 By Staff Sgt. Derrick M. Gildner 302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- In most households, younger children depend on their older siblings for help until they are able to perform their share of chores. Things are no different with Air Force Reserve Command's 310th Space Group at nearby Schriever AFB. As it gets bigger, the space group will take on more work and rely less on its older sibling, the 302nd Airlift Wing here. The 310th SG's growth spurt recently resulted in a new facility, several additional people and an increase in mission responsibilities. All are indicators that the unit is getting ever closer to transforming into a formidable wing and a prized piece on the Department of Defense's chessboard. The October unit training assembly marked the first steps toward the beginning of new the 45th Space Wing Reserve Associate Unit under the 310th SG. "We see the mission at Buckley AFB in Aurora, Colo., as a force multiplier by allowing the 310th SG to begin taking care of its own needs for medical and mission personnel flight support and thereby allowing the 302nd Airlift Wing to focus back onto its own needs," said Col. Jeffery J. Ansted, 310th SG commander. "The 310th SG has received great support from the 302nd over the years; however, as the group has grown from three units to 10, we have overstayed our welcome." Col. Gregory Ratterree, 310th SG deputy commander, said the group anticipates a one-year delay for the official standup of the 45th Space Warning Launch Operations Unit. "We are looking at a green light for the initial hiring of 160 traditional reservists and air reserve technician positions in the meantime over the next year," he said. Reserve units at Buckley AFB will also be available to meet some of the Air Expeditionary Force demands for Air Force Space Command, said Colonel Ansted. "It is truly a win-win for everyone involved," he said. (AFRC News Service)