Schriever IMA Selected for Vital Command

By Airman William Tracy, 50th Space Wing Public Affairs, Published February 15, 2017 SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, CO

Lt. Col. Marcus Corbett, 50th Security Forces Squadron Individual Mobilization Augmentee to the commander, will soon command full time at one of the Air Force’s preeminent installations.

Corbett will be adopting a new role as 10th Security Forces Squadron commander at the U.S. Air Force Academy. While the IMA program provides the tools for reservists to operate in an active-duty environment, Corbett’s role differs from most IMA functions. He has been specially selected, among other candidates, to command an active-duty squadron, a rarity for the program.

Corbett was one of only five IMAs to make the candidate list.

“For an IMA to be selected, let alone meet the candidate list, is a big deal,” said Lt. Col. Michael Speck, 50 SFS commander, who knows firsthand the effectiveness of Corbett’s leadership through the IMA program, where he served in his place in times of absence. “Not all active-duty security forces officers are selected to command and it is a competitive process. For an IMA to be selected is an achievement, especially for a high profile unit such as the Academy.”

Corbett said he is excited to lead security personnel at the Academy, accepting the challenge of maintaining safety for an area which often hosts massive family gatherings, contingents of senior ranking officers and the president himself.

“It’s the most secure open base in the Air Force,” said Corbett. “There’s concerts, football games and athletic events. Then there’s events like Corona were generals across the Air Force show up, and graduation and parents weekend, where tens of thousands of people come into the base for a short period of time who don’t have identification or credentials. So, the challenge is conducting these happenings in an efficient process, while protecting the assets of the base.”

Corbett hopes to learn from the Airmen as well as share his expertise with them to help maintain the security of the base. 

“The beautiful thing is that I will have a squadron full of Airmen and personnel who have approached this challenge, and succeeded significantly at it,” said Corbett.

Speck is not surprised Corbett was selected to lead a major squadron such as the 10 SFS. 

“While I was TDY (Tour of Duty), he did a superb job leading the unit and communicating with the group and wing commander,” said Speck. “With the way the military has been heading in recent years, we rely more and more on our Reserve forces. Lieutenant Colonel Corbett is an outstanding officer and graduated commander in the Reserve force, and he will lead the 10 SFS extremely well paving the way for other active-duty command opportunities for reservists in the future.” 

The transition from Reserve to active duty can be difficult, but Corbett, who served on active duty for 11 years prior to going Reserve, is ready to embrace the lifestyle once again. 

“I am looking forward to it,” said Corbett. “The thing that I miss the most (about active duty) was being around Airmen on a daily basis. As a reservist, you have limited time at the unit.” 

The Academy is not an entirely new area for Corbett. A former graduate, it’s a return to familiar territory, although he said the base has changed. 

“They have some new structures and upgrades,” said Corbett. “They are constantly improving the infrastructure. Though there are still little things that bring back memories.” 

While his upcoming command approaches, Corbett and the Schriever Airmen he served with will not forget the memories and friendships made during his time here. 

“I’ve enjoyed Schriever, loved how it was quiet and secluded in a way,” said Corbett. “The 50th Security Forces Squadron is a great unit. From senior leadership all the way down to the Airmen. They have some phenomenal people, they are very professional and I thoroughly enjoyed my time here.” 

Speck is confident Corbett will continue to make a positive impact at the Academy.

“I’m sure he’ll find success, he will do a great job over there,” said Speck. “I’ve met many officers and enlisted, both active-duty and Reserve over the years, and I can definitely tell you that Lieutenant Colonel Corbett is a stellar officer.”

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