Airmen's time tour makes follow-up visits

  • Published
  • By Maj. Timothy Farr
  • Personnel Services Delivery Transformation Program Integration Office
WASHINGTON (AFNS) --  In today's fast-paced, resourced-constrained environment, Air Force officials here said they are attempting to return a precious commodity to Airmen: time. 

A team, chartered by Lt. Gen. Richard Y. Newton III, the deputy chief of staff for manpower and personnel, will visit units at 11 Air Force installations as a follow up to last year's review revealed numerous strains on Airmen's time.

"I want the team to go back out, look at what changes have been made, assess the impact, and come up with another set of recommendations, General Newton said. "The team has also been directed to be laser focused on total force solutions for the active and Reserve components as well."

While visiting with leaders at each installation, the team will focus on additional duties, ancillary training, commander's programs, administrative support processes and personnel services delivery. Last year, the team found a number of areas in which to give Airmen time back and improve efficiencies in these areas. For example, the team recommended approval for 1,200 civilian administrative positions to be added back into larger squadrons.

These additions will free up time for commanders and first sergeants for leadership opportunities and reduce the number of Airmen performing administrative duties outside of their core Air Force specialty code. The team also made a number of recommendations that led to improvements in information technology support and ancillary training policies.

Mark Doboga, the director of plans and integration for manpower and personnel, will lead the team consisting of members from the Air Staff, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, Air Force Personnel Center, and the Air Force Manpower Agency.

They will visit Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho; Osan Air Base, South Korea; Elmendorf AFB, Alaska; Kulis Air National Guard Base, Alaska; Randolph AFB, Texas; Charleston AFB, S.C.; McEntire Air National Guard Base, S.C.; Hurlburt Field, Fla.; Eglin AFB, Fla.; Aviano AB, Italy; and Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England.

As was done last year, General Newton will share the results of this initiative with command staffs, functional communities and the Air Force's senior leaders to effect changes to policies and programs that will institute meaningful solutions for the field.