340th Flying Training Group develops strategic direction, priorities

JOINT-BASE SAN ANTONIO-Randolph, Texas – During a strategic alignment event conducted here Aug. 27-29, 340th Flying Training Group leaders and key stakeholders developed the group’s strategic direction, intended to guide the group over the next several years.

Key stakeholders included group staff, squadron commanders and representatives from Air Education and Training Command, Air Force Reserve Command, 19th Air Force and 22nd Air Force.

Having established the mission, vision and strategic priorities, actions are underway to implement the strategy.

“I believe that we have established an enduring direction to keep the 340th on a positive vector,” said Col. Allen Duckworth, group commander.

The new mission statement expands on a previous statement and now incorporates the unit’s broader mission:

To provide unrivaled instructors to AETC and unmatched support to the newest Reserve aviators

While it has always been the mission to provide stellar instructors to AETC, the previous mission statement didn’t capture the Reserve undergraduate flying training mission. Including “unmatched support to the newest Reserve aviators” speaks to the complex support necessary to guide a new candidate through the 18-to-24-month flying training program.

The unit vision was confirmed by event participants who felt that it more accurately expresses unit intentions for the long term than the previous vision statement:

To be the most experienced, professional Airmen; building and inspiring the Air Force’s future

The mission and vision statements are the foundation upon which unit strategic priorities were developed. Those priorities include:

* Recruit, develop and retain exceptional Airmen

* Optimize the organization for current and future opportunities

* Foster a culture that inspires smart risk

* Showcase the value of the 340th Flying Training Group to target audiences

Each priority was supported by several goals and objectives, such as develop a deliberate recruiting strategy, streamline key processes across the group, reward and recognize smart risk-takers, and increase social media engagements.

According to the commander, establishing measurable goals and objectives enables unit members to act in support of the priorities. Every member of the organization has a role to play, and subject matter experts at every level will be critical to unit success. 

“Without you, the 340th would not be able to accomplish our mission, realize our vision, or achieve our goals,” Duckworth told his Airmen.

In addition to establishing organizational mission, vision and priorities, event participants established a framework for communicating the unit direction, implementing new or improved processes, and communicating progress.

“Unit mission, vision and priorities should be well-known to all members,” said Teresa Davies, continuous process improvement manager. “The only way to achieve our goals and accomplish the mission is to ensure every member knows where we’re headed, how he or she fits into the big picture, and what needs to be done by whom. The continuous improvement process lends itself to team success in part because of the requirement to communicate intent and successes.”

Davies and teammate Lt. Col. Sara Linck worked with improvement process guru Matthew Arens, contractor associated with AFRC, to facilitate the three-day event, guiding open, lively discussions toward establishing achievable goals.

“The give-and-take required to reach consensus is an essential part of strategic goal development,” Davies said. “Experienced leaders brought significant knowledge and valuable ideas to the table, and the strategic alignment event was the perfect opportunity to gather those ideas and use them to set the unit up for success.”