Rand Weighs in on AFMC Reorganization

Rand’s Project Air Force produced a study analyzing the organizational changes at Air Force Materiel Command as it consolidates its 12 centers into five to operate more efficiently and shed excess overhead. Consistent with the Air Force’s projections, AFMC will still be able to manage weapon systems effectively for airmen and save $109 million annually, states the summary of the July 6 report. Rand characterized the changes as a mix of opportunities and challenges. For example, the command is establishing two new centers, the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, to oversee the acquisition mission; and the Air Force Sustainment Center at Tinker AFB, Okla., to manage maintenance and supply functions. Three-star generals will lead them, which may lead to a more standardized core of best practices, states the report. However, the elimination of 1,051 staff positions will expand program executive officers’ workloads, it states. Rand noted other “opportunities to align functions and streamline staffs across these organizations and thus increase efficiencies in both product development and operations support.” Overall, AFMC plans to shed about 4,500 civilian personnel under the reorganization, states the report. (Rand report; caution, large-sized file.)