News

Robins unit recognized by Defense Department

  • Published
  • By Jenny Gordon
  • Robins Public Affairs
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The 448th Supply Chain Management Wing - which includes the 431st Supply Chain Management Squadron at Robins - was recognized with a 2014 Defense Acquisition Workforce Development Award, Silver Award, Large Organization. 

Including Robins, there are flights located at Hill and Tinker Air Force bases, and consists of 46 individuals who manage the recruiting, hiring and training of 2,800 supply chain management professionals across the wing. 

A total of 13 people at Robins support nearly 1,000 in the 638th Supply Chain Management and 948th Supply Chain Management groups. 

"This award is recognition of how well we take care of our workforce and develop our workers," said Bill Sirmon, Workforce Development Office chief at Robins.

This is the third award for the organization in the same category. They received a Bronze in 2009 and 2010. 

The mission of the organization is to plan and execute the Air Force supply chain to enable cost-effective warfighter support as needed. Spare parts for example are managed at Robins for weapon systems the base supports, such as the C-5, C-17, C-130    and F-15. 

Robins' role includes hiring and training in career fields such as inventory management specialists, production management specialists and equipment specialists in support of the 448th SCMW.

Since workforce development is its primary responsibility here, there are currently 80 trainees the office is actively working with, along with 12 recent hires. The office included nine instructors who taught 136 classes to more than 2,000 individuals in 2014. 

It offers three-year training programs, which include a robust on-the-job training program, with processes created that mirror active duty military and civilian maintenance programs that instill accountability, competence and professionalism.

Proficiency is also tracked to ensure trainees have mastered their particular jobs.

Since 2010, the office also focused on its trainee review boards and a workforce-shaping initiative further ensuring its trainees' needs are being met.

The Defense Acquisition Workforce includes more than 150,000 civilian and military members from the Army, Navy,  Air Force, Defense agencies and Field activities that support the warfighter and protect the taxpayer through their complex development, acquisition and sustainment efforts. 

"Recognizing our professionals and the great work they do is really important," said Frank Kindall, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics.