AFSO21: change is coming

  • Published
  • 5th Bomb Wing AFSO21 office
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  While some Air Force internal processes have been in place for many years, Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century officials believe Airmen of the 21st century are ready for and require more current and efficient processes. The 5th Bomb Wing AFSO21 office is dedicated to that cause.

"Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century, through more innovative and streamlined processes, will ensure all Airmen have the resources and skills required to accomplish the mission," said. Tech. Sgt. Tiawania Haynes, 5th BW AFSO21 facilitator.

AFSO21 process improvements come in different forms. Some processes are quick and simple fixes; others are more complex and may involve several organizations working together to improve plans over a lengthy period of time. AFSO21's three main categories of process improvement actions are: Just do it; rapid-improvement events; and high-value initiatives.

"Just do it actions typically do not involve formal process review teams," said Sergeant Haynes. "They are improvements that can quickly be put into action and yield immediate results."

Rapid-improvement events, on the other hand, usually last one week and apply a series of problem-solving techniques to determine the root cause of the problem.

"RIEs eliminate waste, set improvement targets and establish clear performance measures to reach desired effects," Sergeant Haynes said.

Successful RIEs usually have the following four components: strong leadership buy-in, knowledgeable and open-minded participants, a tightly focused event scope and implementation plan, and metrics to track results.

The third and final improvement-action category is high-value initiatives. HVIs produce significant returns against key Air Force challenges. HVIs typically require four to six months to successfully define and implement the required process changes.

"These processes are more complex and involve cross-functional teams to ensure identified improvements are incorporated into the day-to-day operations of an organization," Sergeant Haynes said.

According to AFSO21 officials, continuous process improvement will become standard with the Air Force looking for innovative ways to use material and personnel more efficiently. AFSO21 provides tools to reduce non-value-added work and to ensure every Airman's efforts contribute directly to accomplishing the Air Force mission.

Every task in the Air Force has a process and AFSO21 fundamentals are designed to maximize value and minimize waste.

"Leadership at every level, from the secretary of the Air Force and the chief of staff of the Air Force, all the way down to wing leaders, is committed to supporting AFSO21 efforts," the sergeant added. "Years of history and lessons learned using AFSO21 principles will help ensure success."

According to Sergeant Haynes, AFSO21 is about results and no process will be immune from its critical review. Airmen are applying the principles of AFSO21 with positive results on the flightline, in maintenance shops, and in customer service centers across the Air Force.

"Your time is valuable and should not be wasted," she said. "We need your involvement to march unnecessary work out the door. With the innovation and imagination of everyone at every level, we'll become better, more efficient warfighters."

For more information about the AFSO21 program, logon to the Air Force Portal or contact the AFSO21 office at 723-1421.