AFSSG HISTORY
The Unit started as a modest Office section of A-1. As personnel increased, the span of activity of the Education & Recreational Office expanded. Pursuant to GO Nr 19, HPAF dated 24 August 1955 the Special Services Office was activated and operated as desired.
As a Special Staff then, it was under the staff supervision of OA-1 that catered the plans, programs and supervises activities towards the well-being of the collective personnel of the PAF.
In addition, as pursuant to section IV, GO Nr 2 HPAF dated 05 January 1976, the Special Services Office was subsequently mandated to provide administrative control over the Office of the Chief, Air Force Band and Music.
Pursuant to GO Nr 96, AFP HPAF dated 27 February 1991; the Special Service Office was re designated as Office of the Director for Special Services (ODSS) effective 01 February 1991 under the Staff supervision of OA-1.
​
​
In June 1998, Higher Headquarters has approved the implementation of the merger and integration of several offices at GHQ. Among others, the Office of the Recreation, Welfare and Support Services (ORWSS) was affected by the AFP restructuring plan and was absorbed by OJ-1 in its task of planning, review and policy formulation function. This reorganization at GHQ should be united in the major services organization.
On 01 November 1998, pursuant to GO Nr 319 paragraphs 1 & 2 AFP HPAF dated 07 August 1998, the ODSS was placed again under the control of OA-1 with the named Office of the Directorate for Sports and Recreation (DSR). Its primary objective is to assist the AC of AS for Personnel OA-1 in the formulation of plans and policies pertaining to sports and recreation of PAF Personnel and dependents.
On 01 February 2000, the Directorate for Sports and Recreation (DSR) was dissolved and renamed as Office of the Director for Special Services (ODSS) and was installed as one of the Special Staff to the CG, PAF as mentioned in section 1 GO Nr 3, AFP HPAF dated 07 February 2000. Its primary function is to conduct leisure, sports, entertainment and other rest and recreation activities of all Air Force personnel and their dependents, and to ensure the physical fitness of the personnel of the Command.
On 01 May 2002, the ODSS was deactivated and the Air Force Special Services Group was subsequently created pursuant to GO Nr 164 HPAF dated 24 May 2007, under the command and control of the Commanding General, PAF thru LT COL ROELITO L NOLASCO PAF (GSC) as its first Group Commander.
​
​
The Air Force Special Services Group began to supervise and conduct PAF Inter-Wing Sports Tournament among the Officers, NCOs and Airmen as part of physical fitness program of the Command. It also supervised the successful campaign of PAF athletes on various local and international tournaments emerging as over-all champion.
Years past, the Air Force Special Services Group (AFSSG) has come to create three (3) squadrons namely: 1st Sports Development and Fitness Squadron (1ST SDFS), 2nd Morale and Welfare Squadron (2nd MWS) and 3rd Supply and Support Squadron (3rd SSS). These subordinate units function smoothly and efficiently due to the managerial skill of the assigned Officers and dedicated enlisted personnel.
In order to accomplish its mandated mission, during then the Manpower Authorization Voucher (MAV) dated 28 July 2009, the Group is authorized to have Seven (7) Officers, One hundred forty seven (147) Enlisted Personnel and Four (4) Civilian Employees. However, the AFSSG has amended its MAV again effective 01 April 2013 by the Higher Headquarters and now this Group is authorized to have Eleven (11) Officer, One Hundred Forty Nine (149) Enlisted Personnel and Six (6) Civilian Employees.