Commander outlines wing priorities Published Jan. 15, 2009 By Karen Petitt 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- It's been four months since Col. Gary Goldstone took command of the 375th Airlift Wing, and his assessment is that 2009 will be a year in which people will need to work through some tough challenges while continuing to excel at executing the mission and taking care of each other. While the commander said he's been impressed with the excellence of the base, its facilities, the work and life environment, and the services provided by wing members, he said much of that excellence has come by doing business under difficult circumstances. "What I've seen is that we have smart, talented people getting the job done, but much of that is being done by brute force ... like we're in a constant survival mode," he said. "We have many taskings that come to us, and I understand the overwhelming feeling that comes from trying to figure out how to manage all that we're being asked to do. I truly believe that if we can fix some of our core processes, then we can find better ways to manage the workload." Fix the processes Fixing how the wing operates will take looking at what's driving the process in the first place. For instance, most people know that the wing will be preparing for the Operational Readiness Inspection that occurs in the spring of 2010. ORIs are a tremendous responsibility, and across our Air Force, some wings have experienced less than desireable results. Add to that recent stressors regarding the Air Force's nuclear surety problems and the environment becomes rich for a no-mistake focus on the inspection. But reaching a destination in 2010 is not necessarily what Colonel Goldstone wants people to focus on. He said that's the wrong place to put our energy. "There's no question that the actual ORI is critically important, but more important is the fact that we exercise various scenarios regularly because we have to know how to respond to real-world events," he said. "For instance, we have to know how our communications work, if our checklists are adequate, if we're really able to respond to accidents, natural disasters, security threats and any other unexpected challenge. If we can fix those day-to-day issues, then when the ORI comes, we'll be doing what we do naturally, and we'll be prepared throughout the year, not just for the spring of 2010. . . to execute and Enable Combat Power! "I think we can all look into our own areas and see what needs to be fixed. We must question why is something is being done a certain way and then facilitate corrective actions. If it doesn't make sense, or if it's costing too much time, or it's a duplication of effort, then we must address it. We must have repeatable and sustainable processes and if we can do that, then executing the mission and taking care of our Airmen and their families will come naturally." Execute the mission precisely To address some of these processes and to ensure the wing can continue to execute its mission with purpose and with measureable results, senior leaders have been working with the commander to develop a strategy using an Air Force model called a balanced scorecard process. More information will be released on specifics of this plan as they become final, but the basic idea is to provide a structure that supports decisions when resources are limited, to align the work being done under a strategic focus area and identify any gaps between performance results and goals. "We have three mission objectives which are to provide unrivaled senior leadership and aeromedical airlift, to provide combat-ready Airmen to the combatant commanders, and to provide superior support and services to not only the wing, but to our 66 tenant units that include our higher headquarters and joint commands," he said. "We have many customers relying on us--wounded warriors, dignitaries, general and flag officers--so we've got to ensure we can meet time sensitive mission requirements in the most efficient way possible." He said the base is well known as Air Mobility Command's Showcase Wing ... and for good reason. Many eyes are watching what is done and how it is done here, and the base has a reputation for its excellence, which is a reflection of the people who are skilled and dedicated and who sometimes work miracles to complete their tasks. This extra visibility can be a challenge for some commanders, but Colonel Goldstone insists that it's a privilege to enable these higher headquarter elements, as well as joint and total force partners, to execute their missions through the support and services the wing provides. Take care of Airmen No mission can happen without people. Every process could be book perfect, but if people aren't trained, if they don't understand or buy into the mission objectives, or if they don't feel like they're part of something bigger, then of course the mission suffers or it just doesn't happen. The commander's vision is that people will feel like an assignment to Scott will enhance their career opportunities and that they'll receive the right occupational, educational and professional development to prepare them for their current duties and future responsibilities. Along with professional fulfillment, Colonel Goldstone emphasizes that it's important families feel like part of the mission, too, and that their needs are being met through resources offered. Support functions such as medical, educational, religious and wellness programs, along with sporting and recreational outlets, form a foundation that enhances a balanced life environment. "I've seen first-hand how taking care of families affects mission success," he said. "Those who work on their relationships, who take care of their financial obligations, who communicate with their spouses, who balance their work and home life are better focused, better leaders and better followers. My job is to ensure we can facilitate those healthy environments, and then it's up to individuals to make it happen. "I think the saddest thing is to leave the Air Force without your family intact. So, I encourage our folks to use 2009 not only to fix our work areas and refine our processes, but to devote time to building and keeping our friendships and families strong as well."