BUCKLEY SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The Air Reserve Personnel Center is streamlining processes and improving workplace efficiency through EVOLVE, a continuous improvement initiative designed to enhance service delivery across the Total Force. Master Sgt. Adam Van Horn, branch manager for Regular Retirements, shared how EVOLVE has transformed his team’s workflow and morale.
“Our section processes retirement applications for Airmen with at least 20 years of active-duty service,” Van Horn said. “We validate eligibility, update systems of record, create orders, and initiate pay with the Defense Finance and Accounting Service.”
To optimize these operations, Van Horn’s team implemented EVOLVE by mapping out their processes and identifying inefficiencies.
“The process map was the foundation for identifying duplicate tasks and inconsistencies in our standard work,” he explained. “By eliminating redundancies and standardizing procedures, we’ve improved clarity and efficiency.”
One of the most significant changes EVOLVE introduced was a structured time for addressing daily challenges and building on previous successes.
“EVOLVE has carved out time every day for my team to focus on problem-solving and continuous improvement,” Van Horn said. “It has also provided a clear framework for tracking metrics based on an objective standard of work, giving technicians a defined sense of success when they meet their goals.”
Beyond efficiency, EVOLVE has also positively impacted morale within the section.
“The evolution of our processes has established objective goals for success, which allows for real-time acknowledgment of achievements,” Van Horn said. “This has boosted motivation and created a more engaged workforce.”
Given the Regular Retirements section’s reliance on external partners such as the Secretary of the Air Force, DFAS, and the Air Force Personnel Center, maintaining a flexible but standardized approach has been critical.
“Our process often needs to adapt to accommodate these partners,” Van Horn said. “With EVOLVE, we’ve developed a living standard of work that is updated in real time and available to our team at all times. This has minimized errors and reduced confusion as we continue refining our procedures.”
ARPC remains committed to delivering exceptional service through innovation and continuous improvement. By leveraging EVOLVE, the organization is transforming its operations to reduce administrative burdens, streamline processes, and enhance the overall experience for Total Force Airmen.
“EVOLVE ensures that we remain responsive, adaptable, and customer-focused,” Van Horn said. “By embracing continuous improvement, we’re not just enhancing efficiency—we’re also creating a better workplace for our Airmen.”