BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- The base Education Center is undergoing a culture change which includes physical restructuring, contract improvements and a more deliberate approach to highlighting the programs it offers.
In April, the education office ran a Continuous Process Improvement event to redevelop how to provide face-to-face customer service in the wake of downsizing of manning. Part of the process involved doing a quality of life event to foster an inviting atmosphere and also centralize training locations within the building.
“Some of the structural changes include the addition of new classrooms, a redesigning of the customer service area and repainting of the building interior,” said 1st Lt. Tyler Spangler, 2nd Force Support Squadron force development flight commander. “In an effort to highlight more of the opportunities available here, we’ve changed the way we market ourselves with improved signage, new pamphlets and brochures, and we’ve increased our usage of base messaging systems.”
Volunteers from across various squadrons on base have banded together to take part in the project.
“We’ve gotten support from individuals all the way from maintenance and munitions to force support and personnelists. The whole base has been coming together for the cause,” said Tech. Sgt. Jason Mitchell, 2nd Maintenance Squadron aircraft ground equipment craftsman.
Some of the duties of the personnel in the Education Center, such as the civilian training manager, have also been reworked in order to accommodate more Airmen’s educational needs.
“In addition to the quality of life changes, we’re really stepping up our game and taking advantage of marketing tools available to us,” said Danielle Williams, Education Center counselor. “This is in an effort to motivate and increase the awareness for all the programs we offer to our Airmen, as education is such an important piece of a military career.”
While the restructuring at the Education Center is underway, all of its services and classes will continue as scheduled.
“Education is becoming so much more of a focus in the Air Force. We offer classes on base from three different colleges, and that’s not something everyone knows,” said Williams. “So, if an improved look and welcoming atmosphere can get people in our building, they’re one step closer to taking advantage of educational opportunities and propelling their careers.”