Wing offering AFSO 21 classes

  • Published
  • By Tyler Hemstreet
  • Staff writer
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  With an eye toward promoting the culture of continuous process improvement, the 62nd Airlift Wing is offering several Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century classes throughout the month of August and into November. 

Two of the classes offered are aimed at introducing Airmen to AFSO 21 concepts and providing a general overview, while two other classes are geared more toward leadership and implementing principals in the workplace, said Robert Shaw, the wing's continuous process improvement consultant who helped design the classes. 

"There are still places on base that haven't heard about AFSO 21 principles," Mr. Shaw said. "We want to get the word out there and help build a level of excitement in the culture, build a sense of empowerment and really improve the overall desire for learning." 

AFSO 21 is an Air Force initiative that challenges people to look at ways to accomplish the Air Force mission more effectively and efficiently while maintaining quality and safety standards. 

The introductory classes will detail local AFSO 21 projects that various squadrons here have implemented and will even feature a field trip to a project site here to see the concepts in action, Mr. Shaw said. 

The hope with the introductory classes is to show examples of what AFSO 21 can do to improve the quality of each shop, said Tech. Sgt. Tim Brunk, the program's administrative training manager and an instructor. 

"Airmen will receive the tools they need to help improve the quality of their work environment and make their work center more productive overall," Sergeant Brunk said.
Although attendance at the classes is voluntary, base officials hope Airmen will take advantage of the opportunity. 

"The attendance figures will help us understand the culture's desire for learning and identify new training products to meet their needs," Mr. Shaw said. 

Each class begins at 8 a.m. and will be taught in Bldg. 851. Seating is limited and people may sign up and view the complete class schedule via the base Share Point site at https://62aw.mcchord.af.mil/default.aspx.