***image1***Have you ever received a product or service with the expectation that it would make your life easier or more productive? We have all heard the promises associated with upgrading our computer to the latest software version. After installation, however, the computer fails to work as expected and requires hours of tinkering before it is useful again.
The requirement was to upgrade a computer, but the expected capability was that the upgrade would make our life easier. This is a perfect example of meeting the requirement, but failing to provide a useful tool (or capability). Had a fully integrated capability been provided, then every component (printer, scanner and software program) touching the computer should have been immediately ready to use based on our specific needs (fully integrated).
From an Air Force perspective, failing to deliver a fully integrated capability to one individual can have a ripple effect on others accomplishing their mission. Whether we guard the perimeter, turn a wrench on the flightline, optimize communication links or pilot cargo and VIPs across theater, our collective services contribute to the greater chain of operations. Taking away the tools to complete this chain of events can quickly disrupt overall operations.
As the 1st Air and Space Communications Operations Squadron commander, I watch the squadron’s communication professionals developing and delivering integrated capabilities on a daily basis. Our squadron’s primary goal is to provide a fully integrated capability to the warfighter. Our theater-wide mission to support the U.S. Air Forces in Europe intelligence community with fully integrated communication and computer services is critical to ensure that every intelligence analyst has the right capability to support the warfighter on the battlefield.
Our mission also includes support to USAFE operational mission planners and executers to ensure they have the right capability to support the deployment of our military assets. As a squadron in the 86th Airlift Wing, the 1st ACOS members have the opportunity to understand the customer’s (or as I prefer to say “warfighter”) mission firsthand. Serving alongside flyers, maintainers, first responders and combat communicators re-enforces our appreciation for the dynamic, day-to-day service requirements inherent to the “knock down the door” expeditionary environment that is today’s Air Force.
The 1st ACOS mission is no different. From command post, to the combat headquarters, to the flightline deployment processing line and data exploitation cells, our command, control and intelligence support services are vital to war planning and warfighting efforts.
In today’s environment, we really need to ensure we are meeting the warfighter’s requirement. We must understand the requirement and go the extra step to understand the warfighter’s mission and ensure we deliver a fully integrated (ready to use) capability that meets their expectations. Even in the 1st ACOS, there is always room for improvement.
I challenge you to look in your own areas and find ways to improve as well. It is a privilege and honor to work in the world’s greatest Air Force where we truly understand “Excellence in all we do.”
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News for the Ramstein, Kaiserslautern, Landstuhl & Baumholder military communities in Germany 
***image1***Have you ever received a product or service with the expectation that it would make your life easier or more productive? We have all heard the promises associated with upgrading our computer to the latest software version. After installation, however, the computer fails to work as expected and requires hours of tinkering before it is useful again.
The requirement was to upgrade a computer, but the expected capability was that the upgrade would make our life easier. This is a perfect example of meeting the requirement, but failing to provide a useful tool (or capability). Had a fully integrated capability been provided, then every component (printer, scanner and software program) touching the computer should have been immediately ready to use based on our specific needs (fully integrated).
From an Air Force perspective, failing to deliver a fully integrated capability to one individual can have a ripple effect on others accomplishing their mission. Whether we guard the perimeter, turn a wrench on the flightline, optimize communication links or pilot cargo and VIPs across theater, our collective services contribute to the greater chain of operations. Taking away the tools to complete this chain of events can quickly disrupt overall operations.
As the 1st Air and Space Communications Operations Squadron commander, I watch the squadron’s communication professionals developing and delivering integrated capabilities on a daily basis. Our squadron’s primary goal is to provide a fully integrated capability to the warfighter. Our theater-wide mission to support the U.S. Air Forces in Europe intelligence community with fully integrated communication and computer services is critical to ensure that every intelligence analyst has the right capability to support the warfighter on the battlefield.
Our mission also includes support to USAFE operational mission planners and executers to ensure they have the right capability to support the deployment of our military assets. As a squadron in the 86th Airlift Wing, the 1st ACOS members have the opportunity to understand the customer’s (or as I prefer to say “warfighter”) mission firsthand. Serving alongside flyers, maintainers, first responders and combat communicators re-enforces our appreciation for the dynamic, day-to-day service requirements inherent to the “knock down the door” expeditionary environment that is today’s Air Force.
The 1st ACOS mission is no different. From command post, to the combat headquarters, to the flightline deployment processing line and data exploitation cells, our command, control and intelligence support services are vital to war planning and warfighting efforts.
In today’s environment, we really need to ensure we are meeting the warfighter’s requirement. We must understand the requirement and go the extra step to understand the warfighter’s mission and ensure we deliver a fully integrated (ready to use) capability that meets their expectations. Even in the 1st ACOS, there is always room for improvement.
I challenge you to look in your own areas and find ways to improve as well. It is a privilege and honor to work in the world’s greatest Air Force where we truly understand “Excellence in all we do.”