2008 AF Community Assessment Survey has arrived

  • Published
  • By Maj. David Linkh
  • Air Force Medical Operations Agency
WASHINGTON (AFPN) --  Officials with the Air Force Integrated Delivery System and Community Action Information Board are sponsoring the 2008 Community Assessment Survey. This survey continues to be a critical tool for senior leaders in determining the strengths and needs of Air Force communities and informing community action planning at the installation, MAJCOM and Air Force levels.

The survey is for active-duty Air Force members, reservists and spouses of active-duty members. This year selected civilians are being included on a trial basis.

This survey is an opportunity for Air Force community members to provide input on their perceptions and experiences in the Air Force. The results of the survey are used by installation, MAJCOM and AF-level IDS teams and leaders to target resources and promote resilience in Air Force communities.

Airmen at bases worldwide will be randomly selected to participate in the study. An invitation with a link to the Web-based survey will be sent out via the work e-mail address of each active duty, Reserve and civilian selectee. Participation is crucial to the success of the survey, so those selected are strongly urged to take part.

In acknowledgement of the importance of Air Force spouses, all spouses of active-duty Air Force members are encouraged to take the survey at: http://spouseafcasurvey.com/ Access code is SpouseAFCA

Survey results are analyzed and reported at the local level to drive local change. Survey responses impact services and support activities. In fact, results from previous Air Force Community Assessments have impacted policies and programs that support families at every level of the Air Force, including:

- Expanding financial counseling programs for members and their families
- Revamping the installation deployment support process
- Increasing relationship enhancement programs for Air Force couples
- Improving services for children and youth

This year's survey is especially important. In conjunction with the Department of Defense NORTH STAR project, the survey includes supplemental questions on behaviors that increase risk in Air Force communities and compromise readiness. The 2008 survey also has an increased focus on deployment issues for individuals, families and the community. 

Assistant Vice Chief of the Air Force Lt. Gen Frank G. Klotz emphasized the importance of participation in his April 9 letter. 

"As our Airmen and their families continue to rise to a multitude of global challenges, we must persevere in our efforts to promote resilience in the warfighter. The importance of robust participation in this survey has never been higher," he said.

The survey is voluntary and anonymous and will be conducted from April 28 through June 30. Questions about the 2008 Community Assessment survey should be directed to your local IDS team.

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