Twitter
Facebook
Civilian efficiency programs, such as “Lean” and “Six Sigma,” can be characterized by a way of thinking, revolving around creating more value for customers with fewer resources. The programs are often associated with the word “transformation” as a long-term process-improvement culture weaving itself in the fabric of an organization.
These techniques have inspired Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century initiatives being incorporated through all levels of the Air Force. Currently, 17th Air Force (Air Forces Africa) is taking on several projects of its own to improve efficiency.
Each project may be unique; however, they all begin with the same question: “What needs improvement?”
For instance, the 17th AF is responsible for maintaining accountability for all Air Force members on the entire continent of Africa whether they’re TDY, at home station or taking leave. This is extremely important for force protection, compliance with host nation clearances, and situational awareness should a dramatic event occur in any particular region, said Senior Master Sgt. Lizabeth Vanburger, superintendent of Manpower, Personnel and Readiness.
“This task gets complicated considering the size of the continent and the amount of people continually traveling in and out for various reasons. In addition, Air National Guard units and other base- and headquarters-level units operate in Africa and all have a stake in our accountability records,” Sergeant Vanburger said.
U.S Air Forces Africa’s Personnel Directorate has initiated a drive to combine all accountability records into one system for near real-time information on who’s on the African continent at any given time.
“We’re currently working with higher headquarters to work through the intricacies of this project and help better the process for everyone involved,” Sergeant Vanburger said.
In addition to personnel accountability, 17th AF maintains full airspace control of air operations on the continent and is constantly focused on process improvement.
The 617th Air and Space Operations Center is AFAFRICA’s command and control hub, linking all U.S. air operations in Africa. The AOC works in conjunction with the 110th Air Operations Group, Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Mich., to manage the proper use of air resources, increase safety and improve the efficiency of air operations.
The complexity of orchestrating air travel in and out of 53 African nations requires significant training in order for members to become fully mission qualified. To better serve AFRICOM, the AOC is working on a collaborative AFSO21 initiative with the 110th AOG and the USAFE AFSO21 office to better tailor air operations training. The AOC’s Maj. Andrei Mitran has spearheaded the effort to make AFSO21 an integral part of operations.
“In a world of diminishing resources, it is imperative that we find and exploit synergistic opportunities between units that may not be collocated, but with the help of IT and solid systems thinking, can find ways to collaborate and complement each other,” Major Mitran said. “This, along with perpetual change management, will help us succeed in the tasks at hand as well as in preparing for the future.”
