We need innovators Published Feb. 13, 2013 By Col. Todd McCubbin 934th Airlift Wing vice commander MINNEAPOLIS-ST PAUL AIR RESERVE STATION-- -- Do have you a good idea? We're looking for a few. The Air Force has always been the military service pushing the boundaries of innovation. Now, with our current budget constraints we need good ideas more than ever. We have highly experienced Airmen in our wing and I know we can develop some excellent ideas to improve our wing. I'm sure most of you have heard of the 'Fiscal Cliff' and the possible Sequestration. The DoD is facing some major funding reductions. We need to cut costs while maintaining our war readiness - a very tough task. In his recent speech, the chief of staff of the Air Force General Welsh talked about how we need innovators in today's Air Force. We need innovators to help us through these difficult times with new, fresh ideas. In the 934th, we also need to re-look at how we conduct our daily business to be more efficient and decrease costs where we can. At the wing leadership level, we are conducting a number of AFSO21 Rapid Improvement Events (RIEs) to improve some major aspects of our wing processes. We are looking at ways to improve our wing communications, mentor our airmen and civilians, and improve our readiness among many others. But there are many more areas that we could improve our operations or save money. That is where we need your help. If you have an idea, don't keep it to yourself. Please speak up. Tell your supervisor, section chief, or commander. Not every improvement needs an RIE - it could be as easy as changing a process in your section to increase safety and reduce wasted time. I know there are some innovators out there with both small and big ideas. And we would like to hear from you!