2008 AF Climate Survey launches Oct. 1 Published Sept. 23, 2008 RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Have you ever wished you could tell your leaders what you think? That power will soon be at your fingertips with the launching of the 2008 Air Force Climate Survey Oct. 1-8. During that time, individual e-mail invitations will be sent out Air Force-wide that will include a survey link and easy-to-follow instructions. "This is an opportunity for Airmen across the Air Force to have a voice," said Col. Daniel Badger Jr., Air Force Manpower Agency commander, whose organization is responsible for administering the survey. "By voluntarily completing this survey, you can help our leaders identify what is going well and what needs improving." The 2008 Air Force Climate Survey, which will run from Oct. 1 to Nov. 26, is designed to assess the opinions and perceptions of the Air Force's active-duty members, Reserve, Guard and civilian personnel (appropriated and non-appropriated) on a wide range of topics. These topics include job characteristics, trust (both in senior leadership and in immediate supervisors), support for deployment, resources, recognition, general satisfaction and unit performance and unit characteristics. The survey will give leaders at all levels of the Air Force - including those on Peterson Air Force Base - important information and feedback about how they can improve their units, said Jennifer Butcher, a management analyst with the 21st Force Support Squadron and the base's climate survey coordinator. "The AF Climate Survey is an excellent tool for leaders because it measures the overall health of a unit by providing information about how members perceive their work environment," she said. "It's a catalyst for dialogue between leaders and unit members and can be used as a tool to improve the unit. Leaders are encouraged to review the feedback and develop an action plan for instituting changes." The 2008 survey is the sixth Air Force-wide survey conducted since 1997; however, this year's version has been streamlined and will include 50 percent fewer questions. The survey will also be customized to accommodate major command-specific questions, and will include comment questions so people can express their opinions on issues they feel strongly about. "This survey should only take about 15 to 20 minutes to complete instead of the 45 to 55 minutes it took to finish the previous surveys," said Dorathy Felberg, of AFMA's Air Force Survey Office. "We've had great support in the past and again we're looking for maximum participation." The survey typically sees a response rate of between 50 and 60 percent, but, since individual links are being e-mailed to everyone this year, Ms. Butcher said numbers are expected to be even higher. Once the data is gathered, the results will be briefed to the secretary of the Air Force and Air Force chief of staff, and then released to the Air Force's unit leaders sometime in early 2009. Technical upgrades to the Air Force Survey System for 2008 will allow commanders to access their reports earlier than in previous years, enabling them to start making improvements immediately. "Through the survey, people can voice their concerns on issues that directly affect them and their units' mission, with a view on improving the Air Force mission worldwide." Colonel Badger said. "Look for your personal invitation coming to your inbox Oct. 1-8." (AFPC)