USAFE Metrics program ... You are a vital player of the team

  • Published
  • By Brig. Gen. Robert P. Steel
  • 48th Fighter Wing commander
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  We've all heard the word "metrics" when it comes to measuring success. Using percentages, statistics and trends to show improvement or explain challenges helps everyone pinpoint strengths and areas to improve. 

One of the benefits to using metrics is the ability to objectively measure how well we accomplish Liberty Wing and USAFE goals. Metrics help focus and guide us on how to achieve our wing mission. They can also help flag areas for process improvement, like potential LEAN events or Air Force Smart Operations 21 programs. Metrics show trends, which guide our decision-making and subsequent actions for improvement. Metrics also strengthen any EPR, OPR or awards package because figures provide straight-forward measurement of fact. 

One of the main areas we measure our success at the 48th Fighter Wing is through the US Air Forces in Europe Metrics Programs. The USAFE Metrics Programs point the way in organizing our mission's efforts and initiatives to successfully meet the guidelines and goals of our Major command. By understanding how each of us contribute to the programs' success and by weaving the programs' requirements into our daily lives, both at work and at home, each of us can better understand our part in contributing to the wing's mission, vision and goals. 

Not sure what the USAFE Metrics Programs are? Here's a quick synopsis: USAFE Metrics Programs focus on individual responsibility and opportunities, as well as wing mission success. The programs include: 

Project Education - making advanced education user-friendly. Call the Education Center at 226-3856 to make an appointment with a counselor. 

Project Library - increasing opportunities to study and explore. Stop by the base library and take advantage of the over 20,000 volumes of technical, educational and recreational reading. There are also over 20 computers available for your use. 
Project Wingman - actively safeguarding each other's welfare by becoming guardians to fellow Airmen. Do you know who your wingman is? 

Project Touch - focusing on the spiritual needs and well being of Airmen and their families. Contact the chapel at 226-3711 for worship schedule and services. 

Project Care - improving the care of spouses and families of deployed members. Contact the Airmen and Family Readiness Center at 226-3847 for additional information. 

Project CHEER - creating an environment of support for unaccompanied members. The Creating, Hope, Energy, Enthusiasm and Recreation program hosts over 2,150 exciting base level programs, such as the USAFE car chow where you could win up to $500. Call 226-4884 for additional information. 

Project Fitness - improving the fitness of our Airmen to meet the demands of our mission. Stop by our newly renovated fitness center for a variety of programs to meet your fitness needs, like the Largest Loser competition. 

Project Facilities - ensuring facilities excellence and that all facilities meet standards to accomplish goals. Contact your building custodian to report required maintenance. 

Health of Fleet - maintaining the health of our aircraft. Kudos to our maintenance 
warriors who continuously monitor and maintain the wellbeing of our aircraft. 

Project SMART - promoting the USAFE "safety culture" and focusing on individual responsibility for personal risk management. Continue to give safety the highest priority in both your work and personal life. 

Customer College - educating our people on the importance of customer service so we can better care of our customers. Call 226-2240 to find out how you can take part in providing the highest quality service to customers. 

In today's challenging and changing environment, our metrics programs ensure we are providing superior service to each and every member of the USAFE team by touching every facet of the mission. Continue to take advantage of the many programs offered and stay engaged in our mission-impact areas like safety, fitness and wingmen programs. As vital players in accomplishing Team Liberty's mission, employing objective assessments and tracking metrics can only enhance our ability to continue to lead the charge in fighting and winning our nation's wars.