BUCKLEY SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- In July 2025 we embarked on a journey with eight Force Support Squadrons to transform the way our FSS operates through the EVOLVE FSS Upstream Supplier Initiative. Backed by Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) A1 and A9 and led by the Headquarters Air Reserve Personnel Center (ARPC) Directorate of Human Performance and Development, this beta test focused on two high-impact wing lines of production: Evaluations and DD214s. As the beta concludes, the data clearly demonstrates the undeniable success of this initiative. Currently, three of our original eight beta units have officially crossed the finish line to earn their Bronze certification with three additional submissions expected to arrive prior to the beta’s conclusion in August.
Current Participating Units
• 188th Force Support Squadron (ANG), Fort Smith, Ark.
• 129th Mission Support Group (ANG), Moffett Air National Guard Base, Cali.
• 94th Force Support Squadron, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga.
• 433rd Force Support Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas
• 434th Force Support Squadron, Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind.
• 459th Force Support Squadron, Joint Base Andrews, Md.
• 919th Special Operations Force Support Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.
The Why: Chaos Warfare
Before this initiative FSS units across the enterprise suffered from inconsistent localized workflows. This lack of standardization created a capability gap resulting in "administrative chaos" that directly degraded combat power and mission readiness. Without a unified baseline it was impossible to compare unit performance or implement systemic improvements at the enterprise level.
The core purpose of the Initiative is to maintain a competitive advantage by replacing chaos with a high-output, mission-focused mindset. By aligning with AFI 1-2, Commander’s Responsibilities, EVOLVE equips our Airmen to optimize performance, eliminate waste and deliver precision mission success.
The Bronze Standard: Requirements for Excellence
Earning a Bronze certification is not merely a symbolic gesture; it signifies a unit has reached the "effective stage" of production maturity. To achieve this status units must successfully implement several rigorous requirements:
• Phase 0 (Day 0–30): Identify, prioritize and select an LOP for improvement.
• Phase 1 (Month 1–3): Build Gemba board, complete process map and submit EVOLVE Journey Reports (KPIs) monthly via ARPC SharePoint.
• Phase 2 (Month 3–6): Create Standard of Work documents and a Core Competency Training Plan. Complete Green Belt, Lean Foundational Skills and Organization Changement Management training requirements.
• Phase 3 (Month 7–12): Finalize artifacts (e.g., Process Maps, Standard of Work documents) and submit for “Bronze” (effective) certification. APRC conducts site visits to beta FSS.
• Phase 4 (Month 13–18): Advance toward “Silver” certification (efficient stage); consider expansion to additional LOPs within FSS[MA4.1].
Celebrating Beta Successes
Our first three Bronze-certified units have set a high bar for the enterprise:
• 459 FSS: Leading the way as the first unit to achieve certification! The 459 FSS attained a 54% decrease in evaluation processing cycle time and a 20% decrease in wing-wide overdue evaluations.
• 129 MSG: Achieved an incredible 94% decrease in wing-wide overdue evaluations and an 88% decrease in their MPF evaluation inventory.
• 434 FSS: Demonstrated remarkable efficiency gains, including an 84% decrease in evaluation processing cycle time and a 51% decrease in overdue evaluations.
Next Steps: FSS Optimization and the Road to Silver
As the beta phase concludes, the goal is to not slow down. The successes of the beta will serve as the blueprint for the broader FSS Optimization effort. Our next steps include:
1. Advancing to Silver: Certified units are now challenged to "not settle for good" but to pursue Silver certifications to unlock even higher efficiency levels.
2. Sustainment through the EVOLVE Institute: Continue to build capability through structured training like EVOLVE 101 Intro to Lean Management and EVOLVE 401 Leading People through Change to ensure continuous improvement remains part of our FSS culture.
3. Enterprise-Wide Standardization: The final strategic goal of this initiative is to create Air Reserve Component A1 standardization. By adopting the proven artifacts and lessons learned from the beta tests, A1 is uniquely positioned to establish highly standardized, measurable, and sustainable processes that can be transformed into inspectable standards across the enterprise.
The undeniable success of this beta test proves that when we refocus our efforts from “doing more with less” to “doing things smarter,” operational excellence becomes a predictable output for units. Expanding these proven frameworks across the Air Force Reserve hardwires continuous improvement into our organizational DNA, empowering our Airmen to deliver precision combat support to the warfighter.