Coming soon: 2011 Air Force Community Assessment Survey Published Jan. 25, 2011 By Monica Mendoza 21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Beginning this week, thousands of Airmen across the Air Force, including those at Peterson Air Force Base, will be asked to complete the 2011 Air Force Community Assessment Survey. The survey, which is done biennially, will focus on four areas: personal adjustment, family adjustment, personal and family adaptation to the Air Force and community satisfaction. The survey period is from Jan. 25 to mid-March and is designed to assess the community mood and needs. And, in this survey, spouses also will be asked for their input. The four focus areas are directly related to mission readiness, said Al Strait, 21st Space Wing director of staff and base lead for the survey. "If we are taking care of the family and the family needs, then the member will be more focused on completing the mission," Mr. Strait said. "They go hand in hand." Airmen will be randomly selected to participate and will be notified by e-mail and sent a link to the Web-based survey. Spouses will be sent a postcard in the mail with the Web link. Everyone selected is encouraged to participate to aid in the success in the project, said Col. Jim Jennings, 21st Space Wing vice commander. The survey should take participants 30-45 minutes to complete. "Our active duty and Reserve members and spouses are a critical part of the national defense team," Colonel Jennings said. "This survey will allow our Air Force to strengthen the team and enhance mission accomplishment. Only by your candid assessment will leadership be able to make the greatest Air Force in the world better." The results will help the Air Force identify weaknesses and strengths and help program leaders zero in on areas that can be improved in the coming years. For example, the survey responses will help the Air Force develop or enhance programs in the Airman and Family Readiness Center, Family Advocacy Program, Health and Wellness Center, Mental Health Centers and Family Member Programs. "We need the feedback from every level, from the youngest Airman to the most seasoned chief, from the brand new lieutenant to the 26 year in service colonel." Mr. Strait said. "And, it is as important to hear from spouses -- a lot of times we hear from the military member, but, this is an opportunity to receive feedback from military spouses." The survey will touch on sensitive issues about risk behaviors, alcohol and substance use, family maltreatment and suicide. Participation is 100 percent anonymous. It is the Air Force's goal to survey 160,000 active duty Airmen, 160,000 spouses of active duty Airmen, 40,000 Reservists and 10,000 Reservists' spouses. The results of the survey will be released in September and will be used to update the Peterson Air Force Base Community Action Plan and help direct programs through the Integrated Delivery System and the Community Action Information Board. "Without surveys like this, how does the Air Force know where it needs to go and what it needs to do?" Mr. Strait said. "We will take the information and funnel it to our IDS and CAIB, and use the information to make the quality of life better for our Airmen and their families."