Photo By Staff Sgt. Krystal Ardrey | Airmen from the 39th Security Forces Squadron clear weapons before returning them to...... read more read more
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INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey – As Airmen, time is a valuable asset for personal resiliency, which is why one Incirlik Air Base unit implemented new innovative programs and procedures to allow Airmen more time to complete annual training and spend more time at home.
Until Oct. 1, 2014, 39th Security Forces Squadron Airmen were required to complete annual training, which is needed to stay qualified and mission ready in their jobs, during their personal time due to low-manning and mission requirements. This shortfall in training hours meant that most defenders worked an additional 52 days a year, more than Airmen in other careers.
“With the old system we would have to come in either on Tuesday or Thursday, so we’d be working possibly two extra days,” said Senior Airman Robert Fow, 39th SFS base defense operations center controller. “If there wasn’t an operation, we would be doing training so we would still be losing those days.”
To fix this problem, Senior Master Sgt. Todd Rosenzweig, 39th SFS superintendent of operations, had to re-think the way the 39th SFS was organized.
“With our Airmen posting out for contingency operations and coming in on days off to complete their annual training, our flight members were losing about 40 hours a month per person,” Rosenzeig said.
Previously, the squadron had been composed of four-flights; under this system, two flights would work each day while the other two-flights had a day off. Due to this schedule, there was no scheduled annual training or Airmen available to fill contingency operations while defenders completed their training.
In September 2014, the 39th SFS began restructuring and organizing the way the squadron operated and within a month, their leadership setup and implemented a new three-flight system. Under the new system, the three flights are broken into two elements. Two flights are assigned the responsibility of providing security to the base while the third flight focuses on training.
Due to the implementation of the new innovative system, Airmen now have one month a quarter devoted to completing critical certifications, appointments and allows time to pursue more advanced additional training.
Additionally, since the implementation of the new program no 39th SFS member has had to report during non-duty hours due to incomplete training requirements.
“With more break time there were concerns of seeing more people in trouble,” Rosenzweig said. “That was a serious concern amongst the squadron, but we have not seen a jump in the number of disciplinary actions. The Airmen are looking out for each other, their embracing the wingman concept and they are still completing the mission.”
According to Fow, the changes have led to a dramatic improvement in the morale of the squadron.
“I definitely have seen a lot better morale within the Airmen,” Fow said. “The fact that we are basically guaranteed all of our days off is definitely helping us. We have long shifts, so it’s good that we found a way so we don’t have it to work additional overtime.”
| Date Taken: | 03.18.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 03.25.2015 05:17 |
| Story ID: | 157993 |
| Location: | INCIRLIK AIR BASE, TR |
| Web Views: | 105 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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