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Out with the old, inprocessing with the new

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Craig Seals
  • 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  What once took three weeks now takes four hours after the 27th Special Operations Mission Support Squadron Military Personnel Flight recently revamped its inprocessing program.

A review of the existing inprocessing program was conducted in July at the request of Col. Timothy Leahy, 27th Special Operations Wing commander. Representatives from the 27th Special Operations Medical Group, the Inspector General's office, wing safety, and other organizations met to discuss the feasibility and method by which a consolidation of inprocessing requirements could be made.

"Colonel Leahy requested a review of the program back in July because it used to take someone about three weeks or so to complete their inprocessing checklist," said Ms. Pam Gove, 27th SOMSS chief of career development.

Based on feedback Colonel Leahy received regarding the previous inprocessing procedures, he directed there to be a change made towards streamlining the process. Part of that process was to figure out what to fix and how.

"Together with base [Air Force Smart Operations 21] representatives, we were able to put together a Rapid Improvement Event," said Maj. Jason Turner, 27th SOMSS military personnel flight commander. "The intent of an RIE is to streamline a function. As a result of that, our AFSO 21 representatives sat down with us and said, 'we know what Colonel Leahy's desire is, now how do we go about accomplishing it?'"

The result was a one-stop, four hour inprocessing briefing.

"Before, you used to have a separate [Military Equal Opportunity] briefing, then maybe the next week you would have a separate safety briefing. All in all, it would take several weeks to completely inprocess," said Tech. Sgt. Christine Talamantes, 27th SOMSS, NCOIC of promotions and reenlistments. "We've been able to combine all of the required briefings into one sitting."

The new process took effect in July following the review meeting and has received numerous positive feedbacks. There are certain aspects of in-processing that have not changed, however.

"Individuals still have to report to the MPF upon arrival to the base to be scheduled for the in-processing appointment," said Ms. Gove. "If they will be taking time for house hunting, they will do that before attending the inprocessing appointment."

The MPF personnel are not content to simply rest on the laurels of a few good reviews of their newly revamped program, however. They are constantly striving to find new and innovative ways to keep the program evolving to best suit the needs of the customers.

"Generally, we've been getting really good reviews," said Ms. Gove. "We are going to be having a review of the new program this week which would potentially become a regular occurrence in order to keep the program as streamlined as possible and give us the opportunity to make changes where necessary." 

"Our goal, from a base reception standpoint, is to make sure everyone who comes through that gate for the first time feels welcome and knows that they will be taken care of," said Major Turner. "We want to get them in, get them taken care of and get them out to their workcenters in a timely manner. With the changes that have been made, we are well on our way to making that a reality."

The MPF hosts the in-processing briefings in Bldg. 600, Rm. 2059 every Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Individuals inprocessing must report to MPF upon arrival to the base in order to be scheduled for the briefing.

For more information regarding inprocessing, contact the MPF at (575) 784-7536.

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