The 411 on Strike Now

  • Published
  • By Maja Z. Stevanovich
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La., --  Barksdale has been selected as a testing ground for a new innovative suggestion program for Air Force Global Strike Command called 'Strike Now.'

Strike Now gives all Airmen the opportunity to gain visibility on their ideas to improve mission efficiency, effectiveness and readiness. Each submission will receive a complete and thorough evaluation by senior staff at AFGSC.

This is a great way of obtaining valuable insight from the people who really know what they're talking about--the Airmen and civilians who do the job," said Mr. Pete Ellis, director of the Global Strike Command Smart Operations Division

"This program will benefit Barksdale Airmen by allowing them to have their voices heard and their innovative ideas reviewed by AFGSC functional mangers," said Tech Sgt. Jesse Boyd, AFGSC Strike Now manager.

Depending on the strength of their suggestions, Airmen may see drastic changes and streamlined processes throughout their units, he said.

The beta test of the program may benefit Barksdale and those benefits may be able to translate to other AFGSC bases, said Boyd.

"For instance, if a suggestion concerning the fitness center was approved at Barksdale, there is a strong possibility it may be applied to other AFGSC bases," he said.

Airmen whose ideas are approved will receive recognition from the AFGSC front office in the form of a three star or chief's coin or a letter of appreciation by the AFGSC Commander, Lt. Gen. Jim Kowalski, said Boyd.

The IDEA program encourages innovative, creative thinking by both military and Department of Defense civilian personnel. The program is designed to recognize and reward individuals whose suggestions improve the efficiency, economy and effectiveness of Air Force, DOD and federal government operations. Submitters of an approved idea can be rewarded with a monetary or non-monetary award.

Submitting ideas and suggestions can be done by visiting the smart operations SharePoint web site at, https://afgsc-p.eis.af.mil/ES/afso/default.aspx and clicking on the Strike Now! button, followed by submitting the idea.

Besides having the chance to improve life at Barksdale, those Airmen whose ideas are approved, may get submitted to the Innovative Development through Employee Awareness program and have a chance at receiving up to a $10,000 monetary award, said Boyd.