Survey aims to improve news, information delivery to AFMC work force

  • Published
  • By Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFMCNS) --  Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command will launch a study soon to find out how AFMC people, both military and civilian, want to get news and information about AFMC and the Air Force. 

A randomly selected group of military members and civilian employees will receive an e-mail invitation asking them to complete an online questionnaire to share their views on several information sources, products and technologies.

"This is a very important project for AFMC, because we're working hard to improve our Air Force information delivery channels and products so our people get the information they want and need, when and how they want it," said Ron Fry, AFMC director of Public Affairs. "If we hear that some of the information channels are working well while others are not, we'll know where best to focus our resources and create the best communication efficiencies for both commanders and our work force. When people receive news and information in a format they like, they're much more likely to absorb it, understand it, retain it and even share it."

Survey results will help AFMC Public Affairs focus on the products the command's people use and value most, permitting Public Affairs offices to better align resources with information consumption and delivery trends.

"This is the first time we've undertaken an AFMC-specific survey like this and it's long overdue," Mr. Fry said. "If you think about how the information environment has changed in just the last few years with new media and new technologies, you see why this study is essential."

Gen. Bruce Carlson, AFMC commander, encourages all survey recipients to take the time to complete the questionnaire.

"Delivering information to our people is just like delivering warfighter support," the general said. "We need to know what the customer wants and then deliver it in the most timely, accurate and effective way possible."

According to Dr. Steve Everett, principle researcher for the survey, the success of the survey relies on hearing from all invited participants -- everyone from scientists to junior noncommissioned officers.

"And if we hear back from only the people who have computers on their desks, we won't have anywhere near an accurate, complete understanding of people's information preferences," Dr. Everett said.

He said in addition to the e-mailed survey, researchers have already conducted focus group interviews at AFMC locations where large segments of the work force do not have ready access to computers.