JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
In strides to coordinate organizational efforts, Air Force District of Washington hosted a strategic planning conference Jan. 19, to develop a roadmap of success from now to as far as 2027-2032.
Directors from each AFDW section gathered at the conference to align efforts on these priorities and weave them throughout the mission of each directorate.
“Looking forward five to ten years, we have three priorities. First, is to develop an agile, flexible, and ready force both within the units and the AFDW headquarters,” said Maj. Gen. Joel Jackson, AFDW commander. “Second, we will strengthen, clarify, and act on operational support authorities to ensure we execute and forecast support to local and global operations. Finally, we will look to modernize and secure the Air Force’s capability inside the National Capital Region.”
“Our strategic plan ensures we all understand the what and how and why of our daily actions. There are a lot of activities that require time and resources of both the staff and units,” Jackson said. “Without a clear understanding of how AFDW’s priorities fit into a plan that aligns with Department of the Air Force and national defense priorities we run the risk of spending our precious resources in the wrong place.”
AFDW Airmen and civilians serve far beyond the reaches of the NCR. The global spectrum of AFDW stretches across 1,758 units in 500 locations spread across 108 countries, with Airmen located in joint and combined commands, national agencies, field operating agencies, and the Department of Air Force staff.
Among Jackson’s top priorities is ensuring consistent care and support for AFDW Airmen and their families, wherever they may serve.
“We support nearly 33,000 Airmen assigned to Air Force elements outside of a traditional major command structure. We want these Airmen to leverage the capabilities of the AFDW staff to make mission accomplishment easier,” Jackson said. “Our strategic plan will help us identify the areas where we bring value to those Airmen, whether its alleviating obstacles to success, highlighting achievements, or keeping them connected to the bigger Air Force with information and guidance.”
The day’s work was the first step in several planning events over the coming weeks that will further develop AFDW’s strategic plan, which will include identifying key objectives and feedback mechanisms that will enable the command to achieve its goals.