Logistics Career Broadening Program: the Air Force Career Broadening Program provides logistics officers a chance to attain specialized knowledge in their career field - Special Feature

Air Force Journal of Logistics, Fall, 2003 by Frank Alberga, Michael Rollman, David Boles, David Spencer

Are you looking for a challenge? Are you curious what it might be like to work in another logistics career field? Have you ever wanted to see how depot-level logistics operates? Then the Air Force Logistics Career Broadening Program (LCBP) may be just the perfect opportunity for you. (Note that similar opportunities exist for logistics noncommissioned officers. Please consult your supervisor or senior enlisted advisor for more information.)

According to Air Force Instruction (AFI) 36-2111, the LCBP provides aircraft maintenance, munitions and missile maintenance, logistics readiness, contracting, acquisition, and finance officers a chance to gain specialized knowledge in acquisition logistics and lifecycle sustainment support, but in practice, it is much more than that. The program not only provides unique instruction in logistics but also lends opportunities to grow as a leader and manager. Through the course of the program, the career broadening officer (CBO) works in various disciplines, learning the functions and challenges of other logistics career fields and earning professional certification in Level I Program Management and Level I (perhaps even Level II) Acquisition Logistics. Finally, the participant has an opportunity in the final phase of the tour to concentrate in one area in order to fine tune what was learned in the first phase. This job assignment is usually related to the CBO's primary logistics specialty. From program management to programmed depot maintenance, the opportunities are too extensive to list.

Perhaps the single most important aspect that propels the program to its premier status is consistent senior leader involvement and participation. Over the years, many senior leaders have said that this active participation is one of the program's greatest strengths. The Deputy Chief of Staff for Installations and Logistics holds primary responsibility, but the Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) Director of Logistics manages LCBP. Air logistics center (ALC) vice commanders take an active interest in managing their centers' programs by functioning as the ALC advisors for the LCBP. Learning about wholesale logistics expands the CBO's logistics horizons, and we are fortunate our leaders take their mentorship role seriously.

Several different approaches are used to develop the 21 CBOs assigned to the Oklahoma City ALC (OCALC). The former OC-ALC Vice Commander, Brigadier General Polly A. Peyer, held bimonthly, brown bag lunches with small groups of CBOs, giving her the opportunity to not only become familiar with the officers but also build solid channels of communication. They discuss the issues of the day and have a chance to speak frankly about various topics, ranging from professional development to current challenges, logistical and otherwise. Another developmental approach involves the use of case studies, based on actual events, which challenges the LCBP officers and prepares them for command and greater responsibilities. In addition, homework assignments may be given, usually in the form of readings in contemporary issues, which are studied by the officer, who then must provide written comments in response to specific questions. But all efforts are not simply concentrated in the learning laboratory. CBOs also have an opportunity to work on high-level projects. For example, OC-ALC LCBP officers developed the new Civilian Achievement Medal, built the Blue School as an introduction to the military for new civilian hires, and served as action officers for Secretary of the Air Force James G. Roche's Benchmarking with Industry Project. All these developmental opportunities are designed to foster professional growth, not just as logisticians but also as leaders. General Peyer echoed the benefits of the program.

   The energy, enthusiasm, and perspective the Career Broadeners
   bring to an ALC contribute immensely to a center's success. Not
   only do the Career Broadeners learn about the depot mission and
   process, but it is a two-way street where Career Broadeners bring
   their fresh insight to the centers. Most directors clamor for the
   assignment of a CBO into their programs.

At Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, the LCBP officer generally completes seven rotations or assignments in each of the major wholesale logistics functions during the first phase of the program. The rotations have a number of learning objectives, most of which the officer gathers during initial orientation to the new directorate or unit. While in a rotation, the CBO performs work related to the primary logistics discipline of that unit. For example, during a program management rotation within the logistics directorate, the CBO might perform weapon system support functions, such as managing avionics spares for the B-1B Lancer. A maintenance production rotation affords an opportunity to supervise a portion of depot overhaul of aircraft, engines, or accessories, and a contracting rotation teaches the intricacies of buying spares and services. In shorter rotations, the officer might receive a specific tasking that provides a chance to examine the detailed functions of the directorate while still performing meaningful assignments. An example is a study of receiving processes at the Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Depot to increase speed and accuracy or redesign engine repair flow to reduce maintenance cycle time. LCBP officers have done these and many other high-impact projects, directly improving depot processes and, in turn, directly enhancing logistics support to the warfighter in the field, all while experiencing a first-rate educational opportunity.