New Command value focuses on Airmen as innovators

by Carla Pampe
Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs

3/7/2013 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- As Airmen at all levels continue to look for more efficient ways to do business, Air Force Global Strike Command has added a new command value focused on innovation.

The value, "Persistent innovation at all levels," directly ties to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force's idea of "every Airman an innovator."

In the newest Air Force Vision, released in January, Airmen are encouraged to look for ways to improve processes.

"Every Airman should constantly look for smarter ways to do business," the Vision states. "The person closest to the problem is often the one with the best solution. Leaders should empower Airmen to think creatively, find new solutions, and make decisions."

Lt. Gen. James Kowalski, AFGSC commander, believes reviewing processes and finding efficiencies is even more important in a time of fiscal austerity.

"In my mind, the biggest silver lining ... if there's a silver lining to all of this [the budget cuts], is that it creates an atmosphere where people are more willing to be innovative," he said. "They're more willing to listen to new ideas - different ideas on how to do things more efficiently."

"We put some processes in place to allow Airmen and supervisors to pass information up to us," Kowalski added. "Then we are working a lot of that with Headquarters Air Force ... to try to become a little smarter about how we're doing business."

In an example of innovation, Air Force Global Strike Command instituted a unique program called "Strike Now," to provide a means for Airmen and their supervisors to submit process improvement ideas directly to AFGSC Headquarters.

Through the program, any AFGSC Airman can submit an innovative idea that improves mission efficiency, effectiveness or readiness.

"Persistent innovation at all levels" joins the original seven values put in place when Air Force Global Strike Command stood up in 2009:

- Individual responsibility for mission success
- Critical self-assessment of our performance
- Uncompromising adherence to all directives
- Superior technical and weapons system expertise
- Pride in our nuclear heritage and mission
- Respect for the worth and dignity of every Airman
- Safety in all things large ... and small

With the addition of this value, the command continues to focus on building behaviors that, over time, become a culture, Kowalski said.

"Our Airmen are entrusted with the special trust and responsibility for the most powerful weapons in our nation's arsenal," he added. "By constantly looking for ways to do this better, we are continuing an Air Force culture of innovation and excellence."