Air Force surveying reservists

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Lance Patterson
  • Air Force Reserve Command Public Affairs
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFPN) --  This year, for the first time, the Air Force Climate Survey will include all Air Force reservists.

Feedback from last year’s study, formerly the Air Force Chief of Staff Survey, prompted the Air Force to involve a larger audience in the new survey, which will gauge factors affecting the day-to-day mission, leadership and availability of resources.

Results of the online survey will serve as the baseline for the total force.

Past surveys were limited to the active-duty Air Force and Department of Defense civilians. This year’s survey, which runs Oct. 1 to Nov. 23, will be expanded to include members of the Air Force Reserve Command and Air National Guard, as well as nonappropriated fund civilians and students.

“Sustaining the world’s pre-eminent air and space force requires continued excellence in the work environment,” said Lt. Gen. James E. Sherrard III, commander of AFRC, in a letter to reservists. “This survey will provide valuable information to all reservists and Air Force leaders to achieve that goal. By taking a few brief moments to fill out this survey, you can help your leaders understand your concerns and ultimately better serve you and our nation’s interests.”

The Air Force Climate Survey 2003 will be easily accessible and user-friendly, according to officials. Comments will not be edited or filtered and will provide valuable feedback, including new ideas from people.

The survey will seek input on issues from every major level of the Air Force. It will serve as a tool to measure the climate of an organization, asking participants to evaluate factors having the greatest influence on their service -- general satisfaction, unit performance outcomes, recognition, teamwork, supervision, training, career development, job enhancement, resources, participation and unit flexibility.

The survey will also provide anonymity with software masking techniques that do not attach the respondent’s user identification and password to survey responses. Respondents will be asked not to write self-revealing details in the comments portion of the survey.

In a letter to survey participants, Chief Master Sgt. Cheryl Adams, AFRC command chief master sergeant, wrote: “By participating in the survey, you will provide critical information to leaders in your organization to make the Air Force a better place to work. Since the survey software protects your identity, I encourage you to be honest and straightforward in your responses. This survey data will be as good as you make it. This is your chance to stand up and be counted.”

Survey organizers said the Air Force Climate Survey 2003 will not be a quality-of-life survey because it will not solicit information or feedback about base facilities and functions, pay or benefits. The survey will also not ask about racial or sexual harassment or discrimination, or certain health practices of members or their families.

The results of the survey will be released in February to unit leaders. More information about the survey can be found at https://afclimatesurvey.af.mil. (Courtesy of AFRC News Service)