Team Travis making impressive AFSO 21 progress

  • Published
  • By Col. Steve Arquiette
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing commander
This week, two members of our AFSO 21 Team, Capt. Darren Long and Senior Master Sgt. Nancy Vallance, and I had the opportunity to participate in a two-day Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century training off-site in Seattle, Wash. We were absolutely impressed with process improvement "success stories" in the civilian sector that were presented by leaders of some very well-known companies. Dr. Ron Ritter, the Secretary of the Air Force's Lean guru, welcomed Mr. Marc Onetta, the Senior Vice President of Amazon Corp, (and former executive with General Electric and Solectron Corp), along with an executive from Starbucks and other industry experts. Additionally, we were shown outstanding examples of how continual process improvement events as we toured the Boeing 737 Production Facility as well as Virginia Mason Hospital, a leader in the healthcare industry. The group also received valuable awareness and metrics training, a key to effectively leveraging performance management. I am absolutely convinced that Team Travis will benefit tremendously by applying Lean principles here, well beyond anyone's wildest imagination. Our industry leaders are convinced this process works due to the superior results they've achieved. This is impressive stuff!

The concepts surrounding AFSO 21 can sound daunting when they are first presented to us. It takes work and a certain amount of humility to admit that our processes may not always be the "best" approach. We easily fall into routines and lose sight of the new technology, people and ideas we have to help streamline our processes. We're fortunate to have this opportunity to embrace continual process improvement, and the timing could not have been better. The ongoing PBD-720 cuts in manning as well as budget cuts, are driven by the need to recapitalize our aging aircraft fleet, and were going to be here regardless of the operating environment. As we identify ways to eliminate waste in our processes, I'm convinced that we will be able to operate effectively with a smaller force working smarter, not harder.

Team Travis has already made impressive progress. We have had some extremely successful Lean events that were recognized and bookmarked at the Air Force level. Our journey is just beginning. Every single process executed on this base deserves an evaluation and an opportunity to trim the fat! We are not limited by the number of Lean events we can run and the possibilities are endless. Ultimately, the time invested in the short-run will help all of us immensely in the long-run. Whether you are a commander or an airman basic, you will play a role in enacting positive change to this base.

We all have a stake in the outcome of this concept -- we are essentially developing our future! Sure we're the absolute best Air Force in the world, but we can be better. Lean events can bring fresh ideas to the forefront and we can execute our important mission faster, smarter and safer by paying attention to activities with little value. Many of the things we have already thought in our heads all along, but never had the right forum to speak up. The time is now for us to leverage this proven tool that will make us stronger, more efficient and much better. Everyone is encouraged and expected to contribute their part!

Be Proud! Be Safe!