The U.S. Air Force recently provided an update on Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein’s initiative to revitalize squadrons.
A task force, comprised of Total Force Airmen from diverse backgrounds, conducted an Air Force-wide review of survey data and gathered feedback from nearly 4,000 service members and spouses from 25 different military bases. The goal was to identify areas of improvement and to promote best practices.
Implemented improvements include reducing computer-based and ancillary training requirements, removing performance report requirements for airman first class, improving enlisted professional military education, and issuing authorizations to rebuild the command support staffs.
The task force also developed a comprehensive model for squadron vitality.
“This is incredibly humbling and exciting to be a part of because if we can get this right, we can hopefully impact the lethality and effectiveness of the entire Air Force,” Col. Russell Williford, director of the task force, said. “We can also make airmen’s lives better and more fulfilled.”
Verifiable mission success, purposeful leadership and esprit de corps are the key attributes to a successful squadron, Williford said.
Focusing on the mission, strengthening leadership and culture, and taking care of airmen and families are ways to implement key attributes, the Air Force said.