The AMU/ TFS system worked pretty well back in the \"Old Days\"
We always felt as \"One\" with Op's. We wore the same patches. The only thing was with the AMU concept you had the \"AMU fall into the AGS (Aircraft Generation Squadron) basically for paperwork. Then we had the back shops , EMS, CRS, AMS, DCM.
AMU's had Crew Chiefs, Specialist,Weapons, our own supply and Admin plus supervision . We could operate on our own,
We proved this during the \"Cornet Warrior (III)\" We did everything like a \"Mini Squadron\" with Op's. We were always on the \"Same team\" . If you think the AMU/TFS system would make you feel otherwise , talk to the \"Old Folks\".
Back then we use to on TDY's party with our Pilots and did alot with them as a \"Team\". TDY's were a \"Joint effort\" and \"PRETTY DAMN GREAT TOO!
Op's commander needs to really worry about his \"Pilots\" not \"Johnny Check Bouncer\" or a \"Problem with heating in the Dorm.The AMU and AGS took care of that.
The pilots Knew their \"DCC's and ACC's\" by their \"Real names\" but still we went by our \"Nicknames\", But we knew almost ever Pilots \"Quirks, their likes dislikes, where they liked they gear stowed, how fast they went thru the checklist,.
The pilots knew the CrewChiefs, and Their quirk's, how their Jet Flew, and coming out of Op's they had our pictures on the wall with our tail numbers so they knew us.
I re-enlist with my PILOT giving me the Oath (Jet was in Phase Dock) That was \"ICEMAN\" (Capt S.) my first A-10 pilot on 0166.
But we were a Team, You talked Bad about one of our Pilots, you were looking for a FIGHT, (well some CODE3 Charlies not as much

)
Plus when the Pilot came out and you Saluted and he said \"Hows it going Goose?\" and You brief him on the Jet holding the binder some would go \"Just Stow them , I don't need to look at them\".
That was to me was the \"Greatest Sign of Respect you could give a CrewChief\" well it was to me.
Plus during the War, it showed that the \"Closeness\" we felt for our pilots was Real .
Even before the War if \"We had a Pilot, lose their life\" The AMU's members showed-up because it was a \"Loss of a Family member\". If one of ours died, Op's cared and showed it.
I know the USAF has changed, maybe for the better in some ways, but after being in , AMS,OMS,AGS,CAMS, DET'S with Sections, Base flights,
En routes, etc....
The AGS with the AMU/TFS was my favorite system of them all.
IMO
Goose