WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS) — When Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. David L. Goldfein asked leaders to “unleash the brilliance in our Airmen,” Air Force Materiel Command answered the call, executing more than $4.6 million in Squadron Innovation Funds in fiscal year 2018.
“The ideas came from all levels of our organization. Airmen were motivated to ‘think outside of the box’ knowing there was funding available for them to test their innovative ideas in the work environment,” said Brig. Gen. James Peccia, AFMC Financial Management director. “While some projects continue to be developed and refined, a number of innovations have already been adopted and implemented in the field. We’re finding great success in the initiative.”
A $20,000 project by the 96th Test Wing, Air Force Test Center, placed Android Tactical Awareness Kit (ATAK) tablets in the hands of security forces operators who have gained increased situational awareness while on patrol through real-time access to background checks, GPS and communication networks. The increased, instantaneous communication allows for more immediate, rapid response in dangerous situations, augmenting the lethality and mission success of defenders in the field.
