FORT RUCKER Ala. -- In an effort to more efficiently support Soldiers and Families, Fort Rucker leaders recently asked the workforce to identify inefficiencies and report them to proper authorities.

Brig. Gen. Kelly Thomas, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker deputy commanding general, addressed workforce members at a meeting at the Post Theater Feb. 2. He said changes in the Aviation Branch have necessitated adjustments.

"We've had to put more Aviators into the field more quickly. We couldn't do any of it without you," he said.

In order to accomplish the increased mission, some processes must be changed, Maj. Gen. James O. Barclay III, USAACE and Fort Rucker commanding general, said in a Dec. 10 Army Flier article.

He said financial support is aiding the transition, "but beneath the surface, we are still hampered by outdated, antiquated and inefficient processes. I envision an environment in which inefficient processes are replaced with greater efficiency, effectiveness, flexibility, innovation and creativity."

To help in removing inefficiencies, Thomas mentioned the creation of the Leading Change Team. This group of individuals will evaluate everything from the Commissary to the traffic flow through gates to mission-specific material.

Those who comprise the 30-member team meet once a week to discuss issues they have noticed or people have mentioned to them. The team will determine a course of action and suggest improvements to senior leadership. Team members will be asked to contribute one to two hours per week for one year before a new team is selected, said Wade Becnel, USAACE chief knowledge officer and team coordinator.

Thomas said the challenge "will require (workforce members) to tell us how to make (Fort Rucker) better."

Justin Mitchell, deputy garrison commander, said Thomas' speech helped communicate the goals of USAACE and Fort Rucker to all levels of the workforce. He added changes will range from small to huge.

For more on the Leading Change Team, call 255-0856.