62nd LRS makes license process easier for Airmen

  • Published
  • By Tyler Hemstreet
  • Staff writer
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  The 62nd Logistics Readiness Squadron's operator records and licensing section recently unveiled a new policy which will not only make the process of acquiring or renewing a government license easier for unit vehicle control officers, but will also cut down on the section's man hours required to complete the process. 

Customers no longer have to appear in person at Bldg. 761 to fill out the proper forms to get the process started, said Staff Sgt. Eric Graczyk, 62nd LRS, assistant non commissioned officer in charge of the section. 

VCOs will fill out an Air Force Form 171 for government vehicle operators in their unit -- verifying the trainer on the form is certified to train on that equipment and is on the trainer letter -- and digitally sign an e-mail addressed to specific Airmen within the records and licensing section. 

"We can then just print out the license, sign it, scan it, and then e-mail it back to get the operator's signature," Sergeant Graczyk said. 

The entire process saves the VCOs a trip to the building and the section doesn't have to staff the desk required to process the paperwork in person, he said. 

The change in policy came about after the flight recognized a way to immediately improve customer service by applying lean principles, said Lt. Col. Travis Condon, 62nd LRS commander. 

"With us at reduced manning at base level because of convoy taskings, this is a tremendous benefit to us and the wing," Colonel Condon said. 

The move will free-up one or two people from licensing and allow them to get back to driving, Colonel Condon said. 

"We're able to eliminate that NCO spot at the desk while a group of us can respond to the emails during any down time we have," Sergeant Graczyk said. 

The office can usually complete each license acquisition or renewal within 24 to 48 hours, he said. 

The section issues nearly 1,500 licenses per year and Colonel Condon estimates the change of policy will gain the wing back nearly 800 man hours in records and licensing and about 1,920 man hours per year in vehicle operations. There are also plans to look at improving the process further by making it available on sharepoint, he said.