BUCKLEY SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The ARPC EVOLVE Force Support Squadron (FSS) Upstream Supplier (US) Initiative launched July 11, 2025 across eight units—six Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) and two Air National Guard, marking a bold step in standardizing operations across the Air Reserve Component (ARC).
Participating Units
- 188 FSS (ANG), Fort Smith, Ark.
- 129 MSG (ANG), Moffett ANG Base, Calif.
- 94 FSS, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga.
- 433 FSS, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas
- 434 FSS, Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind.
- 459 FSS, Joint Base Andrews, Md.
- 919 SOFSS, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.
- 944 FSS, Luke Air Force Base, Ariz.
Built on the success of last year’s pilot with the 916th FSS, the initiative introduces EVOLVE’s “chaos warfare” method-ology to help FSS units convert disruption into decisive ac-tion. More than 100 Reservists and Guardsmen toured ARPC during immersion visits and unanimously echoed: “My unit needs this.”
The initiative is designed to be manpower- and cost-neutral, requiring minimal materials and oering maximum impact. The program's core focus is to maximize the eectiveness of existing resources by improving processes and leveraging digital workflows. The true investment lies in embracing the EVOLVE mindset and dedicating time to finding and putting improvements into practice . Backed by HQ AFRC/A1 Man-power and A9 Innovation Directorates and led by the ARPC Directorate of Human Performance and Development, this beta test focuses on two high-impact Lines of Production—evaluations for AFRC and DD214s for ANG. Each unit will work toward achieving bronze certification within 12–18 months via the Maturity Validation Tool (MVT), with opportunities to scale success toward silver and gold benchmarks.
EVOLVE Phases of Execution
- Phase 0 (Day 0–30): Identify, prioritize, and select mission critical Lines of Production for improvement (evaluations and DD214s).
- Phase 1 (Month 1–3): Build Gemba boards, complete Value Stream Mapping, finalize standard word documents and training plans, and begin regular Gemba walks.
- Phase 2 (Month 3–6): Submit units first EVOLVE Journey Report via ARPC SharePoint; APRC and A9 schedules site visits as needed; consider expansion to additional LOPs.
- Phase 3 (Month 7–12): Operationalize two to three LOPs; initiate MVT certification; publish quarterly EVOLVE Echo updates to showcase unit progress.
- Phase 4 (Month 13–18): Achieve bronze certification; advance toward silver/gold; receive plaque recognition from ARPC.
The EVOLVE initiative is already showing promising signs of progress as participating wings are actively identifying and implementing process improvements. The upcoming FSS submissions of the Journey reports will provide valuable insights into the impact of EVOLVE on LOP performance. The ARPC EVOLVE FSS Upstream Supplier Initiative represents a significant step forward in optimizing FSS operations and enhancing the service provided to Airmen. By embracing a production mindset and actively participating in the EVOLVE FSS US process, we can collectively build a more efficient, effective, and responsive FSS community.
EVOLVE continues to be more than modernization—it’s operational excellence in motion.
Stay tuned for the update from Phase 1 from the FSS US!