Benchmark! Way to go McConnell!
Kudos to Maj Gen Sharpy and the AMC leadership team for what Chief Hartz just witnessed at McConnell AFB. Her visit was intended to assist the unit with transitioning to our new shift schedule, predicated upon 8-hours of armed duty, protected time off, and scheduled reconstitution time. It turns out not only do they not need our help (they transitioned without our presumed manpower assist) they have essentially checked the box on every Reconstitute Defender Initiative we have which involves their mission set.
They accomplished this because of the support of their Wing leadership and in the words of their Defense Force Commander, Major John Farmer, "it just takes hard work and not pushing the easy button." Their Security Forces Manager, Chief Rebecca McNelley, is leading the charge and has her Defenders motivated to generate airpower.
For those who may think McConnell is a sleepy hollow, I don't believe such a thing exists in our Air Force -- this unit made it happen in the midst of working KC-46 bed down, an open house air show, an aggressive MAJCOM and Wing exercise schedule, and the need to relocate squadron facilities (the photo of the wood pile is what they are reclaiming and turning into unit farewell plaques through self- help). Everyone has a full plate.
1st Leaders Led Trainer
Automated Fingerprint Training
Total Force Integration Training
Reconstitute Defender Initiative in Action!
- New Shift Schedule - 8 hours armed
- MSgts leading/coaching/mentoring as Flight Chiefs
- Reconstitution Time Built into Schedule
- Protected Time Off
- Surge Capability
- Leader Led Trainers deliver training on-duty
- Firearms simulator in use—Milo system
- Sending Defenders to Tiered Training
- Expended 75% of ammo, requested/received more for sustainment firing
- Enhancing Installation Access Control Points to eliminate perimeter breaches
- Culture and history—prideful unit
- Team of teams—UDM initiative benchmark
