JOINT BASE CHARLESTON –
A Joint Base Charleston Airman recently received a cash bonus for discovering an innovative way to repair cables once they were deemed unserviceable.
Master Sgt. Michael Stone, 437th Airlift Wing maintenance engineering superintendent, received more than $9,000 through the Air Force Innovative Development Employee Awareness (IDEA) program. Stone identified two C-17 Globemaster III integrated processor cables that were being thrown away once they became unserviceable, forcing the maintainers to order new cables to replace the damaged cables.
In addition to new cables being costly for the Air Force, every cable ordered goes out for bid with long lead times before the part can arrive on base. Stone discovered the cables were simple to repair and able to be done locally, saving between $900 and $1380 per cable repair.
"In the maintenance world," said Stone, "the IDEA program is something we're often engaged with. Any improvement or correction we have gets submitted to the program. It's just part of the job we learn to take advantage of early in our career."
According to Stone, submitting requests through the IDEA program not only may benefit Airmen financially, but also makes their day-to-day jobs easier. Stone encourages all Airmen to submit their own ideas to make the Air Force better.
"The IDEA program isn't limited to just the maintenance world," said Stone. "Airmen can put in ideas for almost anything Air Force related ranging from fitness, assignments and anywhere they see a better way of accomplishing our mission. If a system is broken, it doesn't matter what rank you are; if you know a way to fix it, speak up and tell your supervisor. Your input will run through your chain of command and make a difference."
Stone's 'difference' was able to save the Air Force more than $65,000 annually.
According to Stone, the worst thing Airmen could do is not speak up.
"Selected ideas streamline processes or improve and increase productivity and efficiency in the workplace," said Tech Sgt. Antwon Parker, 628th Air Base Wing Force Support Squadron, manpower analyst and IDEA program manager. "However, the program also recognizes intangible benefits such as improving morale and working conditions."
The program is available to all Air Force service members and civilians.
"If your process improvement idea saves the Air Force money during the first operational year of its suggestion, you may also receive a kick back of that cash," said Stone. "Airmen are eligible to receive 15 percent of the savings their ideas generate, up to $10,000, as a one-time payment for the idea."
"Just a little time can earn you big bucks," said Parker. "While making money, you can also make your job easier and benefit the Air Force."