Photo By Joseph Mather | ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. – J.R. Russell, Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex Art...... read more read more
The Art of the Possible keeps the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, at the forefront of Air Force innovation and process improvements.
A key factor contributing to its success is the WR-ALC Art of the Possible office, led by J.R. Russell, the complex’s subject matter expert for AoP. In his role, Russell oversees implementation and maturation of AoP principles across the WR-ALC, driving operational performance and excellence.
AoP is a constraint-based management system designed to create a workforce culture focused on efficient process execution. The system, which establishes a standardized set of operating principles, was established as the universal management system within the Air Force Sustainment Center in 2012 when the Air Force had been looking for better ways to do business.
“The AoP SME’s mission is to apply this system that merges methods like Theory of Constraints, Lean, Six Sigma and Operations Management,” said Russell. “This powerful process management system drives action, focusing efforts on processes and constraints that give the highest return on investment. As Lt. Gen. Stacy Hawkins, the Air Force Sustainment Center commander, has stated, ‘AoP is not what we do, it is how we do. It is the playbook that allows us to operate as one team across each of our 27 operating locations.’”
Russell performs his mission by advising the WR-ALC commander on AoP implementation and assessing AoP application and maturity.
“AoP teaches leaders to manage their bandwidth and control works in progress, leading to increased throughput and reduced flow days,” he said. “The WR-ALC has adjusted to this lesson by constantly monitoring work in process levels and ensuring that work is fully supportable before beginning the task or operation.”
The AoP office also provides training to the complex and AFSC members, including multiple AoP courses, to grow and mature AoP processes and AoP-minded leaders.
According to Russell, the office has seen immediate results, with some units experiencing success soon after applying AoP principles.
“The C-5 enterprise team, for example, reduced flow days to produce a C-5 aircraft going through Programmed Depot Level Maintenance by 508 flow days, earning them the DoD Mason Award. The C-130 enterprise team sold a record 50 PDM/D-check aircraft through strict adherence to AoP principles in fiscal year 2024.”
Russell said his experience with AoP has been exciting, as he has used his knowledge to teach, mentor, and help other organizations across the WR-ALC and 78th Air Base Wing at Robins AFB.
“I have seen a culture of change throughout the WR-ALC, with units embracing AoP principles and striving for continuous improvement,” he said. “The AoP will be a force multiplier in strategic competition, as it teaches leaders to look for ways to use existing continuous improvement, along with innovation tools and methods to build, solve, and/or improve processes necessary to meet today's demanding requirements and tomorrow’s threats.”
| Date Taken: | 03.06.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 03.07.2025 08:39 |
| Story ID: | 492147 |
| Location: | ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, GEORGIA, US |
| Web Views: | 41 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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