Leaders review programs, processes that take care of Airmen

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Julie Weckerlein
  • Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (AFPN) --  A cross-functional team of senior Air Force leaders is reviewing programs and processes essential to the health and welfare of Airmen using Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century problem-solving tools.

One of the 10 AFSO 21 key processes, "Caring for People," was chartered to take on initiatives which will enhance the morale and quality of life for Airmen and their families, said Col. Colleen Steel, the "Caring for People" process lead. 

"The primary goal of this key process is to find ways to relieve frustrating inefficiencies so Airmen can be more focused on their primary duties," she said.

Using the results of a recent total-force questionnaire, the team will look for process improvement opportunities that will better serve Airmen and their families. The questionnaire was written and administered by the Air Force Inspection Agency at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M.

It's a win-win situation for Airmen and the Air Force, said Lt. Gen. John A. Bradley, the chief of Air Force Reserve who is in charge of the team.

"We'd like to simplify some things for them, so that the time they have when working for us is better utilized to do real jobs they're supposed to do, and not waste time doing other things," he said. 

The "Caring for People" team reviewed valuable feedback from more than 15,000 Airmen on issues that were most important to them. The Airmens' voice has been heard and the team is identifying several high-value initiatives based on this feedback.

The opinions varied, depending on whether Airmen were deployed or at home station, General Bradley said.
 
"Medical issues like Tricare were at the top of the list," he said. "That was a very high emphasis area (for home station Airmen), as were base exchanges, fitness centers and dormitories."

Airmen are concerned about their access to medical care and making appointments at their medical facilities, the general said. It's an issue that's under review for ways to improve it.

"Airmen are pleased with the care, though," General Bradley said. "They are pleased with the medical professionals."

In regard to deployed Airmen and their families, he said communication overall seems to be the top concern.

"When Airmen are deployed, communication back home is very important," he said. "They want to be able to get in touch and stay in touch. I think most Airmen want frequent e-mail capability and access to the Internet. Computer connectivity is the big thing. Also, communication relative to things their units are telling them (is important). They want to stay in touch with their units and they want their units to stay in touch with their families back home. So there are several elements of communication there."

The results will be released to the major command AFSO 21 offices to promote future initiatives that will work to solve local Airmen concerns.

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