Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin announced his Integrating Risk and Readiness campaign, Aug. 1.
The campaign's multi-stage approach aims to institutionalize efforts across the force with both a short-term and long-term focus. The campaign will consist of a major command-led stand-up day dedicated to risk management training and discussion. Active-duty units will have 60 days to complete their stand-up day while Guard and Reserve units will have 120 days to complete.
The long-term focus of the Integrating Risk and Readiness campaign is to integrate risk management principles into all training, career fields, and operational environments across the U.S. Air Force, as well as implementing them within policy, directives and education.
The campaign stems from the recognition that there will be increased risk as the USAF makes changes to the way it operates so Airmen are better prepared to make risk-informed decisions. The campaign will also focus on reviving a mindset of operational discipline in all Airmen.
"As we reoptimize for Great Power Competition, infusing risk management and operational discipline into all facets of planning, preparation, execution, and assessment is imperative across all missions and environments," Allvin said.
Allvin emphasized this campaign is not in response to a specific safety incident but, rather, is a proactive campaign designed to maximize readiness enabling our forces to meet the operational demands of GPC.
"Mission readiness is the cornerstone of this campaign. Mission command necessitates risk management at the tactical edge. Well-executed, risk-informed decision-making preserves and protects combat power without sacrificing mission success." -Air Force Chief of Staff David Allvin
Allvin announced this campaign as a complement to DAF safety's recently unveiled Strategic Plan, which focuses on increasing combat readiness through training, risk management, and analysis. The Strategic Plan outlines the safety enterprise's new mission, vision, and supporting objectives.
"Combat operations and training are inherently risky," said Maj. Gen. Sean Choquette, DAF chief of safety and Air Force Safety Center commander. "They require action. We must train Airmen at all levels how to approach those actions smartly with risk management skills. Safety's job is to arm our forces with the resources and skills to make risk-informed decisions at home or in the field."
Choquette emphasized the role individual Airmen will play in implementing these tenants.
"Leaders at every level are crucial to transforming DAF safety as we face new threats, capabilities, and organizational change within the department. Ultimately, our mission relies upon the disciplined approach of individual Airmen - they are the key component in our enterprise." -Department of the Air Force Chief of Safety Maj. Gen. Sean Choquette
