Innovate through shared challenge Published July 29, 2013 By Lt. Col. Gabe Griess 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron commander TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- We are all aware of the operational constraints that now surround each of us. Fiscal constraints, decreasing manpower and a more difficult approval process for purchasing everything from pencils to training. Senior leaders are aware of these constraints and for the first time they are not asking us to do more with less. They are asking for two specific actions: first, stop doing unproductive things and second, innovate through creative solutions to existing challenges. Ultimately, the American people still rely on us to provide unrivaled air supremacy at the time and place of our choosing. How can all this be brought into alignment? Stopping unproductive activities is a new concept for most military members and a brave form of innovation. Many activities and processes have arisen out of a need, idea or unconstrained resources. These activities have sometimes been codified in regulations and instructions and at times, been touted as innovations, breakthroughs or efficiencies. However, after implementation or over the passage of time their need has disappeared or may never have existed in the first place. Therefore, all Airmen get to examine their surroundings with a critical eye. Where is there inefficiency? Where is there a redundant process? Where is there a meeting or event that no longer provides value? Maybe something needs to be tweaked or shortened or maybe its time has passed and it is time to move on. In the end, getting rid of inefficiencies will free up resources for executing our mission and funding innovation. Innovation requires a deep understanding of the problem, parties involved, resource requirements, perceived and historical points of failure. Armed with this information, a desired end state and a commitment to achieve, innovation can be fostered. It is easy to say no in a resourced constrained environment; no to purchasing new items; no to approving temporary duty assignments or training; no to using a smaller amount of funds today to offset a larger expenditure at some point in the future. Like it or not, we now operate in a new fiscal environment. This has created a huge opportunity for those that can still find a way to say yes. Recent examples of yes I've seen include, bringing instructors to Travis as a mobile training team in lieu of sending more people TDY. Choosing to go through closets to find unused office equipment and supplies and then sharing them across the base is an innovative yes. Getting permission to tackle a self help project is a great yes. Over the last decade we have had the luxury of serving in a time of nearly unconstrained resources. It is now time to demonstrate that we can still provide the same level of service not by doing more with less, but by ending some activities and innovating on others. This will catalyze another leap forward in our service that further expands our air supremacy and baffles our enemies. I am continually awed by each of you and am excited to see what you come up with next.