Friday, October 4, 2013

TOP STORY >> Air Force focused on ways to keep its spending down

By Staff Sgt. Jessica Condit
19th Airlift Wing, Public Affairs    

The United States Air Force consistently tries to find new and innovative ways to cut costs on unnecessary projects and spending. The emphasis on saving money and thinking outside the box has become the benchmark of effective Airmen.

In order to obtain the most productive results and include every Airman, whether enlisted, officer or civilian, Air Education and Training Command has adopted the Cost Conscious Culture Program. The program, created to increase the awareness of spending and saving throughout AETC, has saved the Air Force millions of dollars over the past two years. The program has enhanced the quality and productivity of the Air Force while enticing Airmen to think outside the box and slash budget costs.

One of Team Little Rock’s own members has contributed to the C3 program, saving the 48th Airlift Squadron more than $6,500 in renovation costs and equipment for the squadron.
Deborah McDaniel, the 48th AS unit program coordinator, was in charge of re-inventing the squadron’s Mission Planning Cell. After careful analysis of the MPC requirements, McDaniel was able to identify several reusable resources to include doors and communication devices. She also pointed to several unnecessary renovations such as the proposed carpet in the storage room.

“At the time I didn’t think that what I was doing had anything to do with the C3 program,” said McDaniel. “I was simply using common sense by reusing versus throwing out and having contractors purchase new items. I wanted to effectively use the project funds and get the most bang for my buck.”

McDaniel was recognized by General Edward Rice, AETC commander, as the 314th Airlift Wing “C3 Ace,” for her innovative ideas and contributions to the Air Force’s cost-saving initiatives.

If anyone has a cost-saving idea that could benefit AETC, Team Little Rock or the Air Force as a whole, you can share it at http://www.aetc.af.mil/library/costconsciousculture.asp.
Capt. James Sinclair, the 314th AW C3 representative, can also be reached at james.sinclair@us.af.mil or 501-987-5783.

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