Page 6 - Desert Lightning News 6-3-16

6 June 3, 2016 Desert Lightning News
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AF program receives makeoverFacebook.com/DesertLightningNews

Tech.Sgt. Tara Mitchell Force Vice Chief of Staff make it even easier for Airmen to communi-
cate their ideas about how to improve the way we do business across
355th Force Support Squadron the Air Force.

Air Force leadership launched its new idea suggestion program re- e API tracking system also provides icons that allow you to query
named Airmen Powered by Innovation in February 2014. previously submitted ideas, search for those already approved, enter new
submissions and most importantly check the status of your own.
e Air Force Vice Chief of Staff tasked Air Force leaders to streamline
and consolidate four older idea generating programs to include Innova- e guidelines closely resemble the IDEA program in that tangible
tive Development through Employee Awareness, Productivity Enhancing benefits will remain the same and intangible benefits now range from
Capital Investment, best practices and the Air Force Smart Operations $25 to $10,000.
for the 21st Century.
Monetary awards are limited to Active duty Air Force and Civilians,
In addition to the previous programs becoming stale, they all seemed but submissions are open to Contractors as well as Air Force Reserve
to be ineffective at producing ideas which limited those feasible for im- Command in Title 10 status.
plementation.
“ e goal of the Manpower office is to get the word out to Airmen at
A recent survey of individuals stationed at D-M AFB gave insight into every level at D-M” Le said, “to ensure they realize they have an opportu-
the IDEA program nity to improve the Air Force through programs like API.”

“Many members believed the IDEA program was too time consum- Several practical yet often overlooked money saving ideas aim to mini-
ing and some were not familiar with the program at all,” said U.S. Air mize supply costs, reduce temporary duty frequencies and find innova-
Force Staff Sgt. Viet Le, 355th Force Support Squadron manpower an- tive ways to troubleshoot common issues. Something as simple as re-
alyst. “One of the last IDEAs submitted using this program took 11 questing crosswalks be installed in high traffic areas or building a base
months from start to finish in order for the submitter to receive their dog park improved the overall quality of life for our very own D-M AFB
$8,400 award. The layers of red tape involved nearly made the submit- residents in recent years.
ter abandon the process.”
“Changing the perception that ideas must be technical, complex, or
e new platform encourages Airmen to elevate ideas that affect cost saves thousands of dollars will hopefully inspire people to submit ideas
savings, quality, productivity, cycle time, process improvement and morale. across the base” Le explains.

Some highlights of the enhanced program also include accessibility For more information on API, please contact the Manpower and Orga-
to API approval stats, tools that can help refine and enhance potential nization Office, 520-228-3840.
submissions and according to U.S. Air Force Gen. Larry O. Spencer, Air

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