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Anyone have an IDEA?

  • Published
  • By Joi Pailthorpe
  • 305th Mission Support Squadron
MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. --  Thirty-four years ago, the Beatles appeared on U.S. television for the first time. This new medium exponentially increased their popularity and success. Their triumphs as well as countless others were, in no small part, due to such pioneering ideas. Just as the Beatles employed new ideas and technology in order to keep up with the demands of an increasingly distracted public, so must the U.S. Air Force to keep up with the demands of an ever more austere budget. 

It is through innovative thinking that the Air Force was conceived -- it was that idea of a "flying machine" in 1907 which resulted in the Air Force we serve in today. It is now up to 21st century Airmen to ensure that our technology and operations are continually improved and modernized. I know that every day many of you see components of your jobs that make you say to yourself, "There has to be a better way!" I am also certain that you are correct in your thinking; there is always a better, more lean way to achieve even greater mission success. I challenge you to find that improvement.

The Innovative Development through Employee Awareness program is the base platform for Department of Defense employees to enter original ideas for change which result in the government saving money. The aim - to improve economy, efficiency and effectiveness of the Air Force, DoD and federal government. Your approved ideas could result in a monetary reward based on a percentage of the first year's savings, ranging anywhere from $200 to $10,000. I will have the distinct pleasure of presenting a $3,600 award to an innovative Can Do-Airman in the near future. The next presentation could be yours.

There are literally million-dollar ideas here at McGuire. In hopes of drawing them out of you, I offer a few helpful hints. First, concentrate on what you know best then find an area that needs improvement. Even if the improvement seems small, remember that over the years even small advances have the potential to save thousands of dollars. Come up with the best possible solution - think it out, write it down and send it in. By doing this, not only will you be making your job safer, easier or more efficient, you will truly be demonstrating the Air Force value of "Excellence in all we do" by "Improving Tomorrow's Air Force with Today's Ideas!" I encourage all of you who are striving each day for continued excellence and improvement to offer your visions to the IDEA Program. Any ideas you have can be submitted online at https://ipds.mont.disa.mil/IPDS/dv_new_home_page and help can be obtained from the wing's IDEA Program Manager at (609) 754-2019. I look forward to seeing the outstanding ideas Team McGuire has to offer the Air Force.