Michael Hetterick MGMT 535

 Recently, we had the opportunity to attempt creativity, but it was no easy task.  Our aircraft, EC-130H, is the oldest C-130 still flying.  As the logistics liaison, we have some unique challenges ensuring there are enough parts to keep this aircraft flying.  This systems and parts in this aircraft are old and aren't installed in the newer aircraft.  A lot of our parts are facing obsolesce.  For the past year we have been struggling to secure an Air Turbine Motor (ATM) for our aircraft.  We discovered there are no serviceable ATMs in the Air Force inventory.  The ATMs that are unserviceable are waiting on a parts kit from the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA).  A parts kit is a bunch of components such as bearings, seals, valves, and other minor parts.  We found out that DLA hasn't had a buyer for the parts kit contract in over a year.   Now it was our time to get creative and figure out a solution.  We contacted DLA and ask...

 In my organization, we are limited to our boundaries.  As an action officer at Air Combat Command Headquarters, my conversations with people are limited to certain ranks.  I can speak to anyone below my rank, but I would have to inform their supervision.  That is because of my duty title or position.  Just the opposite I can only talk to a few ranks higher than mine.  If the rank of the person I need to speak with is out of reach, then I have to elevate it to my supervisor.  I am starting to notice how political it is.  Boundary movement is the same lateral.  We are able to conversate with others in different offices, but any tasking has to be coordinated.  It could take 4-5 different groups of people to solve an issue to lower units have with each other.  Also, I can only track down so much supply information before I step out of my lane.  I am then either doing too much or doing something someone else is doing.  Our bou...

 In some careers, the DIKA model is used everyday to make decisions or take actions.  The method the DIKA model is based out of is taught in different applications.  Applications like OODA Loop and Lean methods use similar strategies to determine solutions.  The DIKA model is used from everyday decisions to long-term solutions.  In military aircraft maintenance, we use the model to troubleshoot maintenance issues.  We use all the evidence that we find to get a general idea what system is having the issue.  Technical data assist the maintainers with narrowing the issue down to the sub-system or specific component.  From there, the technicians can decide if they need to repair wires, circuit cards, or replace a part.  In some circumstances, because of warranties, we may have to contact representatives from the company that manufactured the asset.   Communication is key to the DIKA model.  People need to connect to share ideas and...

The internet has expanded everyone's ability to communicate more and often.  In today's society, applying for a career is easier, but I believe harder to manipulate a resume.  In the past, a person applying would mail or hand-carry their resume.  The company hiring would review the resume and make reference calls to confirm previous positions held.  They would also call for a quality review of the individual applying.  Today, information travels quick and responses are almost immediate.  Company's now hire other company's to search, review, and hire employees.  These companies have the time and effort to confirm all the required information.  The internet has also made it easier to reach out to other companies and people in reference to individual.   Social media sites has also made it harder for someone to lie on a resume.  The HR department can review an individual's social media accounts and profiles to verify if information on a...

 The United States Air Force is full with different cultures.  One that sets the military apart from civilian corporations is the inclusion of family.  The military family is a team.  In some military families, both adults serve.  In this case, I will discuss when only one adult serves.  The USAF makes it a point to support the family members of those that serve.  When the USAF member works 12 hours a day, is gone for weeks a time, or is deployed for months, it is the family member that stays behind.  Those family members take on tasks of both adults.  The obvious benefit of the USAF is the medical benefits that is provided.  Another benefit is all the support agencies that are available.  The USAF also mandates a key spouse in each unit.  The key spouse serves as a point of contact for all the spouses in the organization.  The key spouse organizations get together with other spouses to booster friendships.  This is v...

            I enjoyed the TED Talk with Elizabeth Lesser.   This will be my only political comment.   The talk happened in 2010 and it could very well be used now with the current political environment.   I agree with her “take the other to lunch” initiative.   I have used this myself and has been very helpful.   As an Air Force drill instructor, there were no listen to the other side.   My other side were trainees and I had all the answers.   Everything that happened with my flights were my rules, my ideas, and my techniques.   The other instructors that helped understood the Team Chief title and what went with it no questions asked.   After my time as an instructor, I returned to a unit where there were going to be others that would disagree with me.   I decided early on to listen first, acknowledge the positives, and let the others point out the drawbacks of their decision.   I found that trust ...