Airmen's time tour makes follow-up visits

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  • By Maj. Timothy Farr
WASHINGTON (AFNS) --  In today's fast-paced, resourced-constrained environment, Air Force officials here said they are attempting to return a precious commodity to Airmen -- time. 

A team, chartered by Lt. Gen. Richard Y. Newton III, the deputy chief of staff for manpower and personnel, will visit units at 11 Air Force installations as a follow up to last year's review revealed numerous strains on Airmen's time. Vance is not among the 11 bases that will be visited. 

"I want the team to go back out, look at what changes have been made, assess the impact, and come up with another set of recommendations," General Newton said. "The team has also been directed to be laser focused on total force solutions for the active and Reserve components as well." 

In addition to the base visits, the Air Force is asking Airmen to complete the assessment survey again to provide current feedback on processes that take Airmen's time away from their primary duties. The survey can be found at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=d_2bnyj1KCrznmHrXOlWQgdg_3d_3d. 

According to Capt. Laurie Christopherson, Vance's Manpower and Personnel Flight commander, all Airmen on base should complete the survey as soon as possible. 

While visiting with leaders at each installation, the team will focus on additional duties, ancillary training, commander's programs, administrative support processes and personnel services delivery. 

Last year, the team found a number of areas in which to give Airmen time back and improve efficiencies in these areas. For example, the team recommended approval for 1,200 civilian administrative positions to be added back into larger squadrons. 

These additions will free up time for commanders and first sergeants for leadership opportunities and reduce the number of Airmen performing administrative duties outside of their core Air Force specialty code. The team also made a number of recommendations that led to improvements in information technology support and ancillary training policies. 

The team will visit Mountain Home AFB, Idaho; Osan Air Base, South Korea; Elmendorf AFB, Alaska; Kulis Air National Guard Base, Alaska; Randolph AFB, Texas; Charleston AFB, S.C.; McEntire Air National Guard Base, S.C.; Hurlburt Field, Fla.; Eglin AFB, Fla.; Aviano AB, Italy; and Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England.