Recently the base installed a Combat Flightline board at the Ramstein West Gate and also started showing the mission capable rates and hours flown for the current month in the base newspaper.
Members who aren’t a part of the 86th Operations or Maintenance Groups may wonder what are these numbers and why should we care about them?
The rate is a broad indicator of combat capability that includes many processes and metrics taking into account variables like parts availability, job prioritization and the availability of well trained technicians. It provides a gauge to wing and headquarters leadership to inform them of our fleet health and ultimately combat capability.
The rates let leadership know how many aircraft of the assigned fleet they have to get the mission done. It’s the broad metric that informs us to examine other more focused metrics and identify where we can improve the process.
The second half of the metrics are the hours flown. On a yearly basis, the 86th Airlift Wing is allocated hours from headquarters which must be utilized to accomplish the airlift mission and provide training to the aircrews.
The wing subsequently breaks it down into 12 monthly allocations and a schedule is built to execute the two-fold mission in a smooth and predictable manner. This flying schedule sets the tempo for the entire base. The schedule is printed, distributed and monitored in an attempt to communicate resources, manpower and consumables, and to minimize turbulence within the wing. This flying schedule sets the tempo for the entire base.
“When we fall short of flying the monthly goal, we must re-schedule to meet our commitment and this is experienced as turbulence down at the individual worker level,” said Maj. Steve Orie, 86th Maintenance Operations Squadron, commander.
Members may ask, “How do I influence these critical measurements on a daily basis?” The best way is to put the flying operation in the context of a team sport such as football, said Major Orie. “We all have a part in winning.”
The operators are the ‘receivers’ who in the end deliver the ball into the end zone. The maintainers are the ‘quarterback’ who provide the ball, aircraft and cargo, to the ‘receivers.’ The security forces are the ‘linemen’ who provide defense so our team can score and keep the opponents from scoring.
“The 435th Logistics Readiness Group is the ‘center’ that hands off the cargo to the aircraft. The medical group, mission support group and logistics readiness group are the ‘coaches and trainers and support staff’ that make sure the team players are ready to play everyday,” said Major Orie.
Finally the wing leadership is the “general manager.” They make sure the mission is accomplished. They watch the score and the metrics, every day to make sure they have the right game plan.
Not every Air Force Specialty Code is mentioned but, every person on this base is linked to each successful mission, said Major Orie. “Each and everyone is a critical player in this game and it takes everyone to perform their position on the team in order to win.”
The score, MC rates and flying hours, the 86th Airlift Wing and 435th Air Base Wing are on a winning streak. If everyone does their part each and everyday, we will have a winning season.
(Courtesy of 86th Maintenance Operations Squadron)
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