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Allies discuss Smart Operations

  • Published
  • By Airman Mindy Bloem
  • 43rd Airlift Wing
POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Two members of the Royal Air Force visited Pope April 20 in an effort to become more acquainted with the Air Force Smart Operations 21 program. 

"The visit has been very impressive and has helped us learn more about AFSO 21," said Air Vice Marshall Peter Dye, director of transformation for the RAF. 

Air Commodore Doug Gale, head of delivery on the RAF transformation program was also impressed and spoke about the potential of the individual in an organization.
"It's impressive to see what people are capable of with the right leadership," said Air Commodore Gale. "A person can improve an organization by being supportive and helping to shape it into a good environment." 

"Sometimes an organization and the processes involved in that organization seem to conspire together to limit the individual," said Air Commodore Gale. "AFSO 21 takes away those barriers." 

Air Vice Marshall Dye was pleased with the direction the AFSO 21 program seems to be going. 

"It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm of your leadership and the dedication of the personnel," said Air Vice Marshall Dye. "I feel the program will be even more successful in the future." 

Since the RAF has a similar program to AFSO 21, Air Commodore Gale is eager to share ideas and goals. 

"We came to listen and to learn," Air Commodore Gale said. "We want to understand what the challenges are, as well as the benefits and opportunities. Because there is a link between the Air Force's direction and our direction, we can help each other by sharing common goals and ambitions." 

"The benefit of working together helps our defense capabilities to be as effective as possible," said Air Commodore Gale. Because the challenges faced are similar, the solutions will be the same. 

Air Vice Marshall Dye agrees with his colleague about the importance of working together as allies. 

"The challenge is to recognize that we are not islands," said Air Vice Marshall Dye. "We need to help each other to develop a broader program which will contribute cross communication to other areas." 

Both members of the RAF enjoyed the visit and look forward to working together as allies in the future. 

"The heart of the program is your leadership," said Air Commodore Gale. "The program is multi-faceted with dedicated personnel. I am sure it will continue to improve, and we look forward to helping each other by sharing our similar objectives."