Commander shares vision, goals for 375th AMW Published Nov. 17, 2010 By Karen Petitt 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Reflecting on his first few months of command, Col. Michael Hornitschek, 375th Air Mobility Wing commander, said he's impressed with the can-do attitudes of wing members and their recent successes. "We had an amazing air show attended by 180,000 people, a flawless Air Force ball that celebrated the service's 63rd anniversary, a successful fiscal year close out, outstanding inspection ratings for the wing's logistics personnel and superb support for our Reserve teammates during their Operational Readiness Inspection -- of which inspectors said it the was one of the best examples of Total Force Integration and teamwork they'd seen to date." But, he added, the wing is far from resting on those successes because there are additional intense inspections coming next summer as well as several goals to work on that he believes will make the wing truly "Showcase." Unit Compliance Inspection/Aircrew Standardization Evaluation Visit For starters, the commander emphasized that members should focus on the upcoming Unit Compliance Inspection, which is an assessment mandated by law of mission areas that are critical to the health and performance of a unit. Failure to comply with established directives in these areas could result in significant legal liabilities, penalties, or significant mission impact. "Inspectors from higher headquarters evaluate not only what we do, but how well we do it, and they dig deep into our compliance with regulations and directives," explained the commander. And, much like ORIs, inspectors grade each individual unit and parent wing on a five-tier scale: Outstanding, Excellent, Satisfactory, Marginal and Unsatisfactory. The wing earned an overall Excellent rating during the last inspection held in 2007, and is scheduled to have the next UCI in August. "The months leading up to our inspection will be spent on ensuring our processes reflect on paper the way we know our mission is being executed in real time--with reliability and efficiency. If there are areas for improvement, now is the time to annotate and document a way forward with solutions and implement new policies ... not weeks before inspectors arrive," said the colonel. Simultaneously, the wing will also undergo an Aircrew Standardization Evaluation Visit, which is an inspection to validate our core operational missions of airlift and aeromedical evacuation. "This is an extremely important look at how we document, fly and execute the missions safely and effectively. The ASEV will focus on how we conduct aircrew training, evaluate their mission readiness and ensure operational compliance with Air Force regulations." Similar to UCI findings, results from ASEVs are graded on a five-tier scale: Outstanding, Excellent, Satisfactory, Marginal and Unsatisfactory. Air show for 2012 Allowing wing members the appropriate time needed to prepare for these inspection, along with a calendar year full of other required exercises and inspections leading up to the UCI/ASEV, is why the commander, in consultation with community leaders, decided it would be best to host the next air show in 2012. "We've hosted an air show for five consecutive years, and we've loved having our friends with us from near and far. However, it is in the best interest of the Air Force, and our country, to allow ample time and resources for our military and civilian members to focus on internal matters. We are privileged to live in a community where there is tremendous support, and we look forward to continuing our volunteer and charitable work with our communities throughout the year, building on our solid partnerships and friendships," he said. Key Mission Focus: Air Operations In 2009, senior leaders developed a strategy map that outlines mission objectives and key mission areas for the 375th AMW. The commander said his goal is to continue to build on that outline and focus on executing the flying missions safely, precisely and on-time. As the only AMC base to have both Guard and Reserve units partnering with active duty personnel under the "Total Force Integration" concept, the commander plans to keep working to enhance those relationships and grow the mission. The 932nd Airlift Wing (Reserve) flies DoD senior leaders and dignitaries aboard C-40 and C-9 aircraft. Active duty and Reserve members work side-by-side to ensure these decision makers are transported safely and on time to their destinations around the globe. The wing also partners with the 126th Air Refueling Wing (ANG) to accomplish critical worldwide air refueling missions aboard the KC-135 aircraft. "We are experiencing real-world deployments with our partners at this time and all indications are that things are going smoothly," said Colonel Hornitschek. "I have nothing but high praise for the men and women of those units." The wing provides reliable, mission capable aircraft and operations support with its two NC-21s and 19 C-21A Learjets stationed here and at Will Rogers World Airport, Oklahoma City, Okla., Joint Base Andrews, Md., and Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. Additionally, the seven squadrons and one detachment, which comprise the 375th Operations Group, provide aeromedical evacuation, executive air transportation, flight inspection, evaluation of new aviation technologies, and air refueling of critical DOD assets. "We will see an additional mission set for the C-21 family as the schoolhouse transfers from Keesler AFB to Scott during Spring 2011," he said. "This will mean that Scott AFB will be the only formal training location for the C-21 mission. This is all about maximizing our resources in the Air Force, and we'll be focused on making it a smooth transition." Key Mission Focus: Superior Support & Services One of the strengths of this wing, said the commander, is that there are dedicated Airmen who are technically proficient and proud to serve on all fronts. However, there are challenges now and on the horizon as the Air Force potentially enters an era of flat or declining resources. In some areas, there are already some effects being felt due to reduced manning and resources. "That is one reason why I'm 100 percent involved and leading the charge to incorporate AFSO21 efforts into every aspect of our mission! AFSO21 will ensure mission effectiveness while reducing or eliminating wasteful processes that prevent our Airmen from accomplishing more great things," he said. "We need to make process improvements an every-day occurrence, and I want our Airmen to understand the importance of what it can do for them in their own sections. I also want our Airmen to participate in AFSO21 events and target some of them to become certified facilitators as well." The other benefit to incorporating AFSO21 into our every day operations is to target those areas where customers may be frustrated with what the wing is able to provide or the manner in which it does so. " After reviewing the informal feedback provided to me within the first few weeks of my command, one area that requires attention is getting at the root of why some people are dissatisfied with some areas of our customer service," he said. "We're using AFSO21 in many areas which is having a positive effect on our processes and how we are able to perform, so we plan to have many more events to tackle specific areas to see what can be done." Mission Focus: Developing Airmen Since taking command, Colonel Hornitschek has launched several initiatives to hone the development of Airmen into future leaders. His goal is to ensure there are opportunities for personal and professional growth, help Airmen understand and recognize the leadership opportunities that surround them, and educate them on how and why the Air Force develops its leaders like it does. One initiative falls under the umbrella of "Leadership University." As the "Scott Campus of Leadership University," the commander is interested in providing opportunities to share leadership philosophies and lessons learned in multiple venues. For instance, he started a professional reading group for his senior staff; the goal being to encourage others to do the same and share the information through the ranks. As part of Leadership University, the commander is meeting regularly with Airmen of all ranks in various mentoring sessions to provide an additional forum to share information that help Airmen be successful. "I live by Gen. George S. Patton's motto: Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity," he said. "I've seen all kinds of leaders, from the tactical warfighter to the strategic giant. One thing is clear: when leaders see a need they step up and are not afraid of failure. Every Airman should understand that each assignment or task is an opportunity for leadership and growth, and they should not be afraid to take risks or be afraid of failing." Another initiative is the creation of a Wingman Council, staffed by Airmen of all ranks to address the concerns of leadership with regards to suicide prevention. The goal is to help identify and support people who might be struggling in one of their roles, whether that be a friend, spouse, coworker, leader, etc. The council meets regularly and is working to develop their agenda for 2011. "Their vision and goal is really just another way to take care of each other," said the commander. He encourages his teams to support Air Force formal programs designed to develop leaders, ensure Airmen are properly recognized in a timely manner, create environments where Airmen can balance the mission and family, and encourage Airmen to take charge of their careers and their own development. He is also supporting and emphasizing Air Mobility Command's Comprehensive Airman Fitness goals, which helps Airmen become more resilient and better-equipped to deal with the rigors of military life. This is done by promoting positive behaviors of caring, committing, connecting, communicating and celebrating, along with a holistic health approach to mental, physical, social and spiritual fitness through proper conditioning activities. Final thoughts There is much to do as the wing looks ahead to 2011 and beyond. From conducting monthly energy conversations to implementing AFSO21 solutions to meeting the demands of the daily mission, the wing is poised to continue its path of award-winning excellence. "I'd like to see our team make an extra effort to recognize each other for the tremendous work they do," he said. "There's much to be proud of, and still much to accomplish. Along the way, we can take the positive attitude and pride that I see as I visit with each unit and turn that into recognition for individuals, teams and the wing as a whole. As we do this and focus on our missions and each other, we'll have a successful year ahead."