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Airmen hold important role in Air Force transformation

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. John Capobianco
  • 436th Airlift Wing Command Post commander
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. (AFNEWS) --  "The most important area for transformation is the space between our warfighters' ears," said Gen. Richard B. Myers the Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

This month marks the fourth year of our country's involvement in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

As an integral part of the war on terrorism, this conflict has challenged the Air Force to think and act in new, creative ways to help secure freedom for succeeding generations. As we fight the forces of terrorism, our military will continue transforming to confront new state and non-state threats that loom on the horizon.

So, what does the term 'military transformation' mean, and why is it important to know as an Airman?

There are many sources in joint doctrine where you can find definitions of 'military transformation.' Here is the definition I developed while instructing at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College a few years ago.

A military transformation involves new technology, which is rarely the most important aspect. That new technology is accompanied by changes in doctrine, or defining how to best use the technology. Finally, organization is redesigned to best incorporate the changes. All three steps are enabled by an organizational culture that encourages and rewards innovation and creativity.

Culture is the key! If allowed to flourish, a culture of innovation and creativity will overcome imperfect technology, insufficiently developed doctrine and outdated organizational structure.

Historical examples of the role of organizational culture in successful (and unsuccessful) military transformations abound. Militaries that effectively transformed to take advantage of such technologies as gunpowder, rifled weapons, steam locomotives, internal-combustion engines and aviation found much success on the battlefield. Those militaries who failed were often decisively defeated, frequently with far-reaching societal implications.

What does all of this talk of transformation mean for you? Our Air Force, along with all U.S. Armed Services, is in the process of transforming to take advantage of the so-called Information Revolution and to counter threats we face today, and potentially, in the future.

History has shown that the significant innovative ideas of the past have normally not been driven from the top down. Successful transformations occur when leaders create an environment that rewards creativity and innovation. Then, individuals within the organization invent creative solutions that are adopted for large-scale implementation.

To put it another way, you are a critical part of Air Force transformation. While you go about doing the great job you do every day, take the time to think about how we can do things better.

In addition, be willing to try new ideas - some of the new ideas will work and some will not, but we can always learn something from the process. 'Offices of Transformation' do not create successful military transformations; empowered people do. So keep an open mind, think creatively and most importantly make a difference!

The stakes are too high for us to do otherwise.