AFSO21 improves out-processing procedures

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Whitney Stork
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  In an effort to eliminate nonvalue added activities in our major processes, Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century helped improve the out-processing procedure here, which was implemented March 6.

According to the AFSO21 website the goal of any process improvement is to focus on generating efficiencies and improving combat capabilities across the Air Force. There are five desired effects of AFSO21, which are to increase productivity, increase critical equipment availability rates, improve response time and agility, sustain safe and reliable operations and to improve energy efficiency.

Applying these methods into the out-processing procedure will reduce the amount of time wasted by Airmen waiting in multiple lines during their out-processing experiences.

The current procedure is for Airmen to physically go to each place and get the required information and signatures. With the new procedure, Airmen will be part of the Ramstein out-processing line during two phases where each support agency will go to them for the majority of the process.

"The process has been reduced by about 33 percent. Where customers used to visit 22 locations, now they will only need to visit 15, making it a little easier for the customer," said Capt. Christopher Dillard, 86th Force Support Squadron chief of career development.

After members receive their assignment notification, they will be scheduled for the next available ROP phase one process. Following phase one, members will receive their orders and will be given the port call request and then be scheduled for phase two.

The sessions will be held every Wednesday and all of the participating units will be dedicating five hours a week to all of the out-processing Airmen.

"Air Force members will see increased, relevant and timely communication of the out-processing process," said Tara Mercado, 86th FSS chief of manpower and organization. "They will experience less frustration and reduced stress. Members will also spend less overall time spent away from their work center to accomplish this process."

The new out-processing procedure is just one of many AFSO21 has helped to change.

Mercado explained that the facilitators are charged to take on an objective view and walk the team through the problem solving process. They work with the process owner and team members to frame and view the process holistically and uncover the relationships and interdependence therein. They challenge the teams to reflect on the process and consider the possibilities in every situation.

"It's about questioning the Status Quo...you can't improve and stay the same! Just because an area has been targeted for an AFSO21 event, doesn't' mean it's 'broken, it just means there may be room to find greater effectiveness and efficiencies," said Mercado. "Many times we find we are taking something that is good and striving to make it great!"

For more information on how your units can help the streamline process send an email to the 86 FSS at  86fss.fsem@ramstien.af.mil.