A Brief Introduction to AFSO21 Published April 22, 2008 By Capt. Mark Vardaro 507th Air Refueling Wing TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century (AFSO21) is a continuous improvement program which utilizes a combination of process improvement methodologies and tools centering in Lean Manufacturing, the Theory of Constraints, Business Process Reengineering, and Six Sigma principles. The Air Force is no different than civilian industry in that it must do more with less. Mandates have been established that will decrease our operating expense by the year 2010. To do this, AFSO21 will help us develop a culture that promotes the elimination of waste, sharing of best practices and the reduction of cycle times across all products and services. Resource constraints, aging equipment, an estimated 6 percent annual increase in manpower costs, as well as major manpower reductions could have a significant impact on the 507th. AFSO21 will help the 507th build combat capability through continuous process improvement. A primary focus of the program is the development of a culture that promotes the elimination of waste, ensuring that all Airmen understand their role within saving resources and eliminating waste, as will as the continuous improvement of processes. The program embraces everyone (officers, enlisted, and civilians). Over the weeks to come, we will be developing and deploying our wing AFSO21 program. You will see articles within the On Final designed to help keep you informed, educated, as well as solicit feedback and volunteers