AFIMSC serves as the single intermediate-level headquarters responsible for providing installation and mission support to 77 Air Force installations, nine major commands and two direct reporting units with an annual budget of approximately $10 billion.

The AFIMSC cross-functional team provides globally integrated management, resourcing and combat support operations for Airmen and family services, base communications, chaplain, civil engineering, contracting, logistics readiness, public affairs, security forces and financial management programs.

Then-Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley and Chief of Staff of the Air Force Mark Welsh challenged their staffs to identify options to reduce overhead costs, increase efficiencies, eliminate redundant activities, and improve effectiveness and business processes to help meet the 20 percent reduction target.

General Carter previously served as the special assistant to the commander of AFMC, developing the strategy and implementation plan for the AFIMSC.

Reasoning for this was, "Our Personnel Directorate is inwardly focused and would not translate to a typical A1, such as at DAF or MAJCOM level".