Col. Mark S. Jones readies to take command of the 517th Training Group.
Assistant Commandant Col. Jennifer L. Saraceno relinquished command to Col. Mark S. Jones, who will be taking charge of the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center’s second highest post, on June 14, 2023.
“You never cease to amaze me with your talents,” smiled Saraceno as she spoke to students, faculty and staff on Soldier Field. “You motivate me to be a better airman, a better senior leader in the Department of Defense, a better joint partner, a better person.”
In a heartfelt address, she also expressed gratitude towards the senior leadership for their unwavering support and invaluable guidance throughout her tenure.
“It has not been an easy job, but it was the best experience for me personally and professionally. And that’s because of all of you and what you taught me on this journey,“ she said.
Col. Matthew R. Reilman, commander of the 17th Training Wing, came from Goodfellow to preside over the change of command for the USAF.
With great excitement, Saraceno welcomed the appointment of Jones as her successor, emphasizing the significance of having someone of his caliber assume command. Filled with an equal measure of anticipation, Jones was enthusiastic to get to work.
“It’s fantastic to return here,” he said when asked about assuming his duties.
Jones, a 2010 DLIFLC graduate of Modern Standard Arabic and a foreign area officer, exuded enthusiasm at the prospect of returning to a command that holds a special place in his heart.
Col. Saraceno renders her final salute to the men and women of the 517th Training Group.
As the 517th Training Group Commander, Jones will lead two Air Force squadrons composed of about 1,200 Airmen, the majority of whom are Air Force cryptologic linguist trainees.
Jones will also oversee language training for 34,000 Department of Defense personnel annually in 89 languages at 29 sites worldwide. Additionally, his duty oversees 1,800 faculty members and 250 joint-service staff who provide language training, proficiency testing, and curriculum.
A 24-year veteran of the Air Force, Jones spent most of his career in the intelligence field but cross-trained to become a FAO, focusing on the Middle East.
Having worked in deployed/joint intelligence leadership positions, he commanded an intelligence squadron, was deputy director of intelligence for the Middle East, and deputy director for intelligence at the National Military Command Center. He worked in the policy-planning field, supporting U.S. Central Command and the joint staff policy development for the Middle East region.
“I can’t wait to work with the people who are responsible for training the next generation of linguists,” Jones stated.
