Innovation, being ‘agile, ready, right,' key to success in FY 2018

Being “agile, ready and right” is the key to success for the Air Force’s premier test center according to Brig. Gen. Carl Schaefer, 412th Test Wing commander, who held his latest commander’s call Aug. 23.

Two sessions were held at the base theater to update the Edwards workforce on dozens of topics that began with highlighting the many test and base milestones achieved so far in 2017.

After inviting everyone on base to the upcoming 70th Anniversary of Supersonic Flight events on Oct. 13 and 14, Schaefer discussed the base’s priorities and fiscal year 2018 strategic plan.

The general said that Edwards AFB’s priorities are in line with the secretary of the Air Force’s priorities, which include restoring readiness and to conduct cost-effective modernization.

“This is us, we are cost-effective modernization,” said Schaefer. “We’re a huge part that. Every new aircraft program basically comes through Edwards Air Force Base and that’s what you’re supporting. All eyes are on Edwards to continue to produce the amazing mission that we do day in and day out, and you are doing a fantastic job.”

Other priorities for Edwards and the Air Force mentioned were driving innovation, strengthening alliances and continuing to care for Airmen and their families. All of which Schaefer says Edwards will continue to do.

The general then went over key points in the test wing’s strategic action plan for fiscal year 2018.

“The vision didn’t change, we want to be the world leader in developmental test and evaluation — agile, ready and right,” Schaefer said.

He emphasized the Edwards mission, which is to test and evaluate weapon systems to deliver war-winning combat capabilities.

“Our product is information so that decision makers can make decisions, so we need to be right. People are making billion dollar decisions off what we say about weapons systems for the warfighter. So agile, ready and right, that’s our vision. If we’re agile, ready and right, I’m positive we’ll be the world leader in developmental test and evaluation.”

Executing the test mission and exceeding customer expectations were also underlined for the upcoming fiscal year.

Schaefer reminded Team Edwards to continue to innovate. He has set aside funds to nurture innovative ideas that can potentially make processes better or more efficient. Three guest speakers were brought on stage to briefly discuss their innovation success stories such as the remotely piloted parachute system and a possible enhancement to the F-22 RVR system.

Other topics Schaefer touched on are an upcoming wing climate assessment; curbing some additional duty requirements and the wing’s effort to speed up the hiring of government civilian workers.

Schaefer also stressed the need to be safe both on and off duty, and to use the Airmen Against Drunk Driving program if needed by calling 277-AADD (2233).

Before taking questions at the end, Schaefer introduced the new 412th TW interim command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Roosevelt Jones. Jones went over subjects effecting enlisted Airmen such as new professional military education eligibility and the new blended retirement system. Jones is a veteran of numerous combat deployments and comes into his new position from the 412th Maintenance Group where he still serves as the group superintendent.