Air Force Climate Survey under way

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) — Total force Airmen and Department of Defense civilians have an opportunity to voice their concerns to Air Force leaders during the 2010 Air Force Climate Survey.

The purpose of the survey is to assess the opinions and perceptions of Air Force active-duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian personnel on a wide range of issues, including overall job satisfaction, resources and unit performance.

“Maximum input is very crucial in providing valuable feedback to Air Force leaders so they may create positive changes in units,” said Col. Brian Norman, the Air Force Manpower Agency commander. “Survey answers directly impact leaders’ decisions on issues that affect the total force.”

The results of the last survey conducted in the fall of 2008 revealed that more than 90 percent of the nearly 250,000 respondents indicated they were happy with their Air Force jobs and the performance of their organizations. They also indicated they generally had trust in their unit’s leadership.

Major concerns revealed by the 2008 survey showed that the strain on manpower and time was an issue for many employees. The majority of home-station Airmen reported an increase in levels of stress, workload and hours due to deployments.

AFMA officials said the average time to complete this year’s survey is around 25 minutes, and respondents may save their progress and return at a later time.

As with past surveys, unit leaders will have access to their respective results for improving their organization and their organization’s ability to accomplish the mission. However, AFMA officials stress that maximum participation is the only way the Air Force Climate Survey can produce meaningful results.

“It’s imperative for our Airmen and DOD civilians to speak today in order to shape tomorrow,” Colonel Norman said.

Officials began sending individual e-mail invitations Oct. 8 for the confidential survey that will be conducted in stages.

For more information about the 2010 Air Force Climate Survey, visit the Air Force Portal.