Changes in feedback procedures

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Caitlin Guinazu
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  The Air Force has designed a new evaluation system aimed at improving communication between officers, enlisted Airmen and their supervisors.

The updated feedback process, also known as the Airman Comprehensive Assessment, was officially implemented July 1, 2014.

"The new ACA forms really do a good job of outlining and establishing a baseline for discussion," said Chief Master Sgt. Alexander del Valle, 366th Fighter Wing command chief. "Every Airman deserves to know what's expected of them in a feedback and the ACA will provide that, as well as help facilitate discussions."

The newly implemented procedures focus on differentiating between good and great performers, not only in mission essential tasks but also in setting personal goals.

"The ACA is designed as an opportunity to reach out and show we care about the Airmen and individuals we are accountable for," said Tech. Sgt. Philip C. Baham III, 366th Civil Engineering Squadron Prime BEEF manager. "As supervisors we have a responsibility to understand our Airmen, and we're entrusted with giving them the tools to be the leaders of tomorrow's Air Force."

Recent changes to be aware of include categories such as 'Self-Assessment' and 'Knowing Your Airman.' The criterias are self-assessed and were added in order to better understand where the ratee stands.

"The Air Force has always given feedbacks and do it well, but by adding the new sections you are giving supervisors a great opportunity to mentor their subordinates by caring," said Baham. "As the old saying goes, 'No one cares how much you know 'til they know how much you care."'

Along with facilitating a communication flow between ratee and rater, the ACA also created a category which identifies the 'Individuals Readiness Index' and 'Whole Airman Concept.'

"If you've never seen or played a game of baseball, how would you know to run the bases?" said del Valle. "If you run the bases the wrong way, is it really fair of me to call you out? Considering you a less-than rounded Airman because you didn't do something you weren't aware of is the same, and that's unfair."

Del Valle continued on to explain that as a leader and a supervisor, it is his responsibility to give base line expectations.

"In a very simple question, how can I evaluate you if I haven't told you what I expect from you?" he said. "Part of being a Gunfighter is knowing where you want to go and what your goals are; it's about knowing where your target is and shooting straight, the ACA helps us do just that."

For more information on the new guidance refer to the Air Force Portal in the ACA frequent questions and AFI 36-2406. Additionally, the new feedback forms AF931, AF932 and AF724 are available on the Air Force's e-Publishing website.