Page 2 - Desert Lightning News, Nellis-Creech AFB Edition, January 21, 2022

2 January 21, 2022 Commentary Desert lightning news s. nevaDa Desert lightning news s. nevaDa news January 21, 2022 3
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What is Air Force unveils action plan to ‘Develop tomorrow’s enlisted Airmen’

As the service continues to refine what is needed to
‘purpose?’ develop the Airmen required to fight and win our future
wars, Air Force officials announced the implementation of
the Enlisted Force Development Action Plan, located here.
With a goal to complete 28 force development objec-
tives in the next two years, the plan and a corresponding
“Blueprint for Enlisted Force Development,” releasing in
by Senior Master Sgt. Elise Redziniak the spring, is aligned with the Air Force chief of staff’s ac-
Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio tion orders and is focused on investing in and empowering
Airmen for the future fight.
What makes you feel a sense of purpose and passion
“The fight for tomorrow has already begun and it will
while serving in your organization? undoubtedly be fought by many Airmen who are serving
In a recent study, 57 percent of younger Americans
said when developing their career priorities, the most today,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.
“As we continue to focus on our readiness against strategic
important is to do work that is enjoyable and meaning- competitors, specifically China and Russia, our Airmen
ful, as this is what keeps them most engaged. will need to be prepared to defeat the speed and complexity
Having a sense of purpose within the work center is
vital to our teams as it makes them feel focused, ener- of threats we face around the globe each day. This plan is
gized and valued. Hopefully all of us have this feeling designed to do just that.”
while we are leading our teams and in the nature of the Deliberate development of the enlisted force, which
work we do. Purpose within an organization is guided represents over 75% of the Air Force’s military personnel,
by a top-down approach. We have all met those people means a culture of teamwork that integrates everyone’s
who radiate enthusiasm and passion with their work … diverse abilities, talents, and ideas is essential to maximize
it is contagious! As leaders, we need to share our story and deliver meaningful results.
with our teams and explain what gives us purpose and “An environment focused on developing and managing
how we tie that into our actions and daily tasks. We can the talents of our Airmen is key for their ability to thrive
start by explaining the ‘why’ behind what we do and and reach their full potential,” said Chief Master Sgt. of
why our specific job is integral to the Air Force mission. the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass. “Deliberate development of
Another way to instill purpose among our work the enlisted force is a mission imperative and must be a
center is to look for opportunities to provide cross-talk Air Force photograph by Senior Airman Cheyenne Lewis top priority for anyone who is expected to lead — from
among teams. This will help discover what gives your Honor Guard members render a salute at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., April 19, 2021. The Honor Guard’s primary mission is front-line supervisors to commanders.”
team members purpose within their work. Some ex- to recognize fallen service members by supporting funerals of deceased U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army Air Corps veterans, Soon to accompany the plan is “The Blueprint for En-
amples in venues to discuss this are routinely through- retirees and active duty members. listed Force Development.” This document will serve as a
out the year with our teams, one-on-one mentoring living foundational resource that links all enlisted devel- Courtesy graphic
and when we on-board new talent to our organization. opment from entry to departure, including key concepts
The ‘why’ behind some jobs can be lost due to a lack of to a close as we do not find it challenging or fulfilling already taken 20 routine x-rays in a day and it may to connect enlisted Airmen to the Profession of Arms. Teaming to Solve Problems Force Development Ecosystem
communication or leaders failing to act within their any longer. At that time, it is time to look for a new feel mundane, I want you to continue to take on more “The blueprint serves as a focal point to create a shared Supporting Action Orders Airmen and Competition, this Supporting Action Orders Airmen, Competition, and
structured mission and vision statement. position or a new challenge to continue to grow. Our radiographs as they become available because we are understanding of our Air Force journey,” Bass said. “This focus area is centered on teaming with the ability to operate Design, this area is focused on opening development op-
You can encourage teammates to find purpose at members are lifelong learners and desire new oppor- perfecting our craft to improve our patient’s quality of will provide every Airman a roadmap that highlights and survive in all domains. portunities beyond traditional classes, courses, and schools
work by: tunities in career development to broaden their skills. life. I found that radiology is a critical component to pathways, resources and opportunities to be successful.” Initiatives include training and developing Airmen at — to provide the right content at the right time.
Helping them find what motivates them. This can Another way to help encourage teammates to find saving lives and to provide quality imaging for our sur- The premise of the action plan is centered on six areas all levels to foster inclusion and value diversity, cultivate the Initiatives include creating an Air Force-wide develop-
be done various ways but one that stands out to me is their purpose at work is to tell them their work matters gical team, provide an accurate diagnosis, and for our that align with Air Force priorities and the CSAF Action problem-solving capabilities inherent within our people, ment plan and framework for enlisted competency progres-
to get to know our members on an individual basis. to the organization and explain what it is specifically physicians to construct treatment plans for the patient. Orders, with quarterly report cards to the force for ac- and enabling command teams to better engage with com- sion, re-imagining enlisted professional military education
Take time to get to know them and ask questions about that they did to help the work center reach a milestone. There are many stakeholders that rely on and value our countability and transparency on updates and progress munity partners and develop exercise models to increase to address historical gaps over a career, curating quality
their past before their time with the military. This will With this qualitative/quantitative feedback, people will knowledge and the work we perform. It is imperative on each area. confidence to operate under Mission Command. content, and professionalizing a larger cadre to connect
hopefully prompt a sense of connectedness between you feel focused and will continue to work hard while being to share my experience with our technologists to help Competition-Focused Force “Embracing a multi-capable mindset to operate beyond development objectives to base levels.
and that member, but also allow you to keep in mind valued by their leaders. others continue to find purpose in our career field. Supporting Action Orders Airmen and Competition, traditional specialties toward the commander’s intent while “In order to succeed in the 21st Century fight, Airmen
what they find meaningful so they can be connected to At times, it is hard for some people to find purpose In my opinion, it is essential to have a great attitude this area consists of objectives tied to developing a highly decisively executing with speed, discipline, and confidence is need an interconnected development system that supports
future opportunities. in their career field, but it is extremely important to while finding meaning in the work we do in order to trained, educated and adaptable Airman ready to operate key to the vision of the 2030 force,” Brown said. “At the same continuous growth,” Bass said. “We have to do this by har-
As we work with our team long enough and have highlight how our team is linked to a higher cause and continue to stay energized, focused and improve our in a joint environment and to dominate the competition. time, operating as part of a collaborative team requires Air- nessing the modern capabilities that exist in the Information
discussions over time, we are able to identify their it is vital to communicate how all AFSCs tie to the Air customer’s experience. Initiatives include updating the “Little Blue Book,” Air men to bring their unique and diverse perspectives to meet Age to build greater connections between initial skills, tech-
strengths that benefit the organization. Capitalize on Force mission and priorities. At the end of the day, we want our people to feel Force Core Values, and “Little Brown Book,” Enlisted mission objectives in seizing the competitive advantage.” nical, and on the job training, education, and experiences.”
these as it will enhance productivity while members For example, I used to be a Diagnostic Imaging that they matter and their presence and effort in the Force Structure, along with the creation of a “Purple Book”
have a sense of fulfillment and engagement in their Instructor and after my deployment to Afghanistan, I work center makes a difference while they take pride that includes the values, capabilities, and warfighting Resilience is Foundational to Readiness Systems to Match Values
work. truly found my purpose and passion toward the career in the work that they do. As leaders, we need to com- concepts of the Joint Force team. Supporting Action Order Airmen, this focus area sup- Supporting Action Orders Bureaucracy and Design, this
Offer opportunities for mentorship and coaching. We field while I witnessed firsthand why it was so impor- municate our experiences and the ‘why’ behind our ports the understanding that well-being enhances resilience area is focused on reducing systems, processes, or practices
have all been there, where our purpose for work comes tant. I taught my students that although you may have specific career field. Front-Line Leader Development and builds ready Airmen. that unnecessarily robs Airmen of time or stands in the way
Supporting Action Orders Airmen, Competition Initiatives include instituting “Airmen’s Time” at units of achieving Air Force priorities.
and Design, this area is focused on deliberate leadership to elevate connections and prioritize well-being of Airmen, Initiatives include transforming the Airmen feedback
development for Airmen as they take on the increased further development of wellness education programs, bet- process, revamping enlisted performance evaluations to
Desert Lightning News, So. Nevada edition is Department of the Air Force or Aerotech News and For all submissions, a name and phone number
published by Aerotech News and Review, a private Review of the products or services advertised. of a person to contact must be included in the event responsibility of caring for others. ter utilization of Resilience Training Assistants and Master align with Airmen Leadership Qualities, advancing pro-
firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force. Everything advertised in the publication shall be questions arise. Initiatives include “The Blueprint for Enlisted Force Resilience Trainers as well as financial fitness and Transition motion testing to include situational judgment application,
Contents of Desert Lightning News, So. Nevada edition made available for purchase and use of patronage All material is edited for accuracy, brevity, clarity Development,” developing validation processes for new Assistance programs tailored for each tier. formalizing the career broadening program, to include
Desert Lightning News Staff are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national and conformity to the AP Style Guide, to include
Paul Kinison, Publisher, Aerotech News and Review by, Aerotech News and Review, the U.S. government, origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political military ranks and proper writing etiquette. supervisors, elevating the value placed on experience and “Airmen and families who are resilient and ready are the developmental special duties, and improving talent manage-
Stuart Ibberson, Editor the Department of Defense or the Department of the affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the Corrections: Desert Lightning News staff creating a standardized Air Force writing guide. foundation of everything we do as an Air Force,” Brown ment systems to capitalize on them.
Tinna Sellie, Editorial Layout members strive for accurac y each week . “Saying ‘you’ll figure it out’ to new supervisors can’t said. “Prioritizing our readiness in the human domain
Sandy Bueltel, Advertising Sales Air Force. purchaser, user or patron. If you notice an error in fact, contact the Desert “This plan is about accountability and action … not talk,”
The appearance of advertising in this publication, The deadline for submissions to Desert Lightning News staff at 334-718-3509, or e-mail be our default approach,” Bass said. “We must be more mitigates the threats we face and keeps our enlisted force Brown said. “While we can’t do this all at once, we will not
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