Combined UTA delivers efficiency, morale

Published Nov. 5, 2014
By Staff Sgt. Bobby Pilch
315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Three squadrons assigned to the 315th Airlift Wing praise the new combined unit training assembly construct and are already experiencing operational efficiencies and increased morale after completing their October UTA.

The initial impression of the combined UTA was that it would present challenges and that it may not execute as smoothly as described, but this viewpoint was quickly diminished.

"There was a perception from members of the wing that the 315th Aerospace Medicine Squadron would not be able to accommodate the number of physicals anticipated during the joint UTA," said Senior Master Sgt. Jehad A. Karriem, superintendent of aeromedical services. "Our main issue was manpower but we also had some equipment challenges. However, the combined UTA was the solution to the question as we addressed these items with training, and changes were made. We were able to reduce wait times for long-physicals from an average of six hours to just under three."

Additional operational changes involved the implementation of a second flu-shot line that lead to processing 971 patients - 60 percent of the wing's airmen - and a separate drug demand area that completed their task in approximately four hours.

Another goal for members of the 315 AMDS focused on increasing wing morale as a whole.

As Karriem walked throughout the clinic, he inquired about wait times from airmen waiting to be seen at the various examination points. On average, responses ranged from two to two-and-a-half hours.

"Patients are more engaged and upbeat as opposed to despondent and angry," said Karriem with a grin. "Our customer satisfaction scores have improved along with squadron morale."

At the other end of the spectrum, leadership from the 81st and 38th Aerial Port Squadrons here have long anticipated the opportunity to bring together all of their personnel to maximize the units' potential and forge a strong relationship with their active duty counterparts.

"When I was first told we were going to a combined UTA I thought, 'great'," said Chief Master Sgt. Deborah Cole, senior air reserve technician assigned to the 38 APS and former member of the 81 APS. "We have all this experience and if we just take the two teams and intermingle, we are able to perform joint training together. By accomplishing this, we gain so much more knowledge and experience and it becomes a better training environment with the different units' perspectives on how we do business."

In addition to combined training opportunities, Cole saw the new UTA construct as a way to enhance the relationship between the two squadrons and better support the active duty missions.

"We had a combined meeting between the 81st and 38th APSs," said Cole. "I challenged all of the senior non-commissioned officers to go out to their active duty counterparts and find out what the requirements are in the work center and what they can and cannot support."

In doing so, Cole explained how the senior NCOs were able to work out scheduling and training with the two squadrons in order to provide the needed assistance to the active duty component.

While the results of the combined UTA begin to take shape and point to positive operational improvements, both Karriem and Cole view the future as a work in progress.

"We want everybody doing the same thing - consistency," said Karriem. "Changes will be made as limiting factors are identified. One of our strengths is our flexibility."

"There is still a lot of coordination that has to take place before it becomes second nature," said Cole. "I have a very young squadron and want to see all of my people get in the port, accomplish their training, grow their career fields and mentor those coming in behind them. I love this and have a passion for the people here. We have lots of opportunities to do great things."