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Wing shines in Air Force climate assessment survey

  • Published
  • By Sandra Pishner
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. --  Reservists in the 446th Airlift Wing who participated in the bi-annual climate assessment survey indicate overall satisfaction in the five rated categories covered by the surveyed, exceeding the Air Force ratings as a whole.

The wing assessment summary shows a very positive rating in categories of Cohesion and Pride, Perceived Discrimination, Overt Discriminatory Behaviors and Command EO/EEO (equal opportunity). Remaining two categories of Motivation and Morale, and Supervisory Support received fairly positive ratings.

Conducted every two years, the climate survey is designed to measure attitudes toward the work environment, with questions organized within factors such as satisfaction, trust, unit performance and resources. Participants in the wing included Air Force Reservists and civilian employees.

The survey will be used by the wing commander and his executive staff to look for ways to address issues and concerns that are within our reach to affect change," said Master Sgt. James Briggs, 446th AW Equal Opportunity office.

According to Col. Bruce Bowers, 446th AW commander, how well this wing compared to the rest of the Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Air Mobility Command really stood out.

"Every measured area has the 446 Airlift Wing at or significantly better than our partners," Bowers said.

According to Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, surveys like this are one of the most valuable tools available to leaders.

"Airmen cannot focus on mission-critical tasks in an unhealthy environment, so we use survey results to identify areas that need attention," said Donley. "Thanks to the many Airmen who took the time to communicate with us on these issues so we may better focus our efforts where they will do the most good."

Leaders at every level use the survey results to 'tap the pulse' of the organization, said Nicole Gamez, AFPC manpower directorate. At the total force level, this year's results held steady, with small increases or decreases in different areas. More than 80 percent of survey respondents say they are satisfied with their jobs and 95 percent believe their unit is successfully accomplishing its mission.

"Overall satisfaction numbers are similar to last year, which is good news. On the down side, our Airmen indicate they're working hard, but resources continue to be an issue," Gamez said.

Along with resources, recognition continues to be one of the lowest rated areas across the total force.

Both at the Air Force level and the 446th AW wing, recognition (supervisory support), and motivation and morale, where rated lower than other areas.

"The first thing we can do to improve the climate is to identify problem areas. This is critical and, in my opinion, the most important step in the process," said Bowers. "Next our leadership needs to communicate to our Airmen to understand context. I think understanding context of any problem is critical in building a plan to improve. I've asked our wing HRDC (Human Resources Development Council) to look at areas where we can build processes resulting in improvement.

A confidential outlet where Airmen can express their concerns, the survey provides leaders with information specific to their area of responsibility.

According to Briggs, each squadron commander will get survey results specific to their squadrons.

"Part of the job of the commanders is to communicate to their people the areas where we can make improvements and those areas that our beyond our control," said Briggs.

When leaders act to improve the climate they simultaneously send a message to their people that their feedback is critical and Airmen come first. In addition to improving working conditions, that positively affects morale and helps increase participation in future climate surveys, said Col. Kent White, AFPC director of Manpower.

"I truly appreciate the time and effort that our Airmen have spent on this climate assessment. I have read every comment presented in the survey, as well as analyzed the aggregate data. Areas like discrimination are counter to Air Force culture and who we are. It erodes morale and discipline. It weakens the unit, organization, and our nation. I will attack this issue with vigor. I think morale is an area where we can offer some improvement. Our annual awards banquet this UTA (March 2) is a time to celebrate the wonderful Airmen in our midst. It will be a time to reinforce who we are as a service and profession of arms.

This year, 28 percent of the total force participated, but that number doesn't tell the whole story.

"In one area, compared to previous years, where we had a statistically significant difference was in the number of respondents to the assessment" said Bowers. "I attribute this to the compressed number of evaluations and inspections performed during the period the survey was accomplished. In past years we had approximately 50 percent of the wing respond; this year we had 34 percent respond."

Survey results from the 2012 CSAF Climate survey, as well as the 2008 and 2010 results, are available on the Air Force Portal Web page. To see them, log into the Portal at https://www.my.af.mil. and enter "Air Force Survey Office" in the search window.

Once at the Survey Office page, mouse over the AF Climate Survey link on the left side of the page and select the 2012 survey.

(Debbie Gildea, Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs, contributed to this story)