Making 6S a success Published March 26, 2013 By Lea Johnson 21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Spring is coming and so is the opportunity to clear the office of clutter through the Air Force 6S initiative. 6S is a six-step process that stands for safety, sort, straighten, shine, standardize and sustain. According to 1st Lt. Allen Chandler, 6S project officer, 6S is a lean initiative tool being used by the Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century. Going "lean" is a way to remove waste and save money and time while improving efficiency. "It's an initiative from the chief master sergeant of the Air Force to essentially reallocate items, supplies, furniture and other items that are not being used in one squadron, that can be used in another area," said Chandler, who belongs to the 302nd Airlift Wing but is on orders with the 21st Space Wing. About 15 squadrons from the 21st SW participate in the 6S process, and the program is open to any 21st SW group, squadron or wing staff agency. Different items are reallocated in certain ways. Other organizations on base should have their own program in place, he said, to meet this Air Force program goal. He said they attempt to redistribute office supplies, such as like ink cartridges, paper and desk filing systems within a unit. Excess furniture goes to a warehouse to be stored or properly disposed of if it can no longer be used or repaired. Chandler said there's plenty of furniture and supplies out there. He encouraged everyone to ask around their squadron for office supplies they need or to call him with any requests for furniture. Government purchase card holders should also pay close attention to areas where they might be able to save money through the 6S process. 6S on Peterson is still in the beginning stages. Chandler said he will be contacting each unit to establish a point of contact and will communicate with individual squadrons as the program grows. "We have a plan of execution, how we're going to go squadron to squadron. I work with a POC in the squadron to get them pushing to look for excess. It's a housekeeping exercise," he said. The hope, Chandler said, is that after the initial house cleaning, Airmen and civilians will keep this in practice. "The recycle mentality is growing more and more," he said. For more information, or to ask about acquiring furniture, contact Chandler at 556-3205.