Climate Survey: It’s all about you Published Oct. 9, 2008 By Brig. Gen. Susan Helms 45th SW commander PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- We are all familiar with tracking our progress at achieving our goals, whether they are on a personal or professional basis. Without this status check, we wouldn't know if we were making progress in the right direction. Well, the Air Force is doing its status check with the 2008 Air Force Climate Survey, which began Oct. 1, and will run until Nov. 26. I strongly encourage all Airmen and civilians to take a few minutes to complete this all-important task. And I do mean a few minutes, as it should take you about 20 minutes to let your voice be heard, so your leadership has a clear status check on the climate of the force. As in past years, the topics are familiar, and include questions on trust, both in senior leadership, and immediate supervisor; unit performance; and unit characteristics; job characteristics; support for deployment; resources; recognition; and general satisfaction. In addition, it has been customized to accommodate 10 Air Force Space Command-specific questions and an opportunity to make open-ended comments. You have heard me say on many occasions that "people are our most treasured asset." I mean that. This is your opportunity to let us know how we are doing, instead of the other way around. The key to this survey, much like it would be in any other one, is for our Airmen to be honest. Brutally so, if you think the need exists. The Air Force is changing, we all know that. So to be better able to understand where we are, and more importantly where we need to be going, we need to get a better grasp on what we're doing right, and where you think we can do things better. And those answers are best gathered from where the rubber really does hit the road: with our Airmen and civilians who are actually "doing the job." You are the ones on the front line, and you have the first-hand knowledge of what needs to change, what needs to be improved, what needs to be done away with and what needs more emphasis. Maj. Gen. Thomas Deppe, vice commander, U.S. Air Force Space Command, knows the importance of our people taking the time to complete this survey. "This is your opportunity to tell Senior Leaders what we are doing right and in what areas we can make improvements," General Deppe said. "Responses to the survey directly influence and assist in building the structure and support you need to accomplish our ever changing and demanding mission. By sharing your voice, you ensure a stronger Air Force for the future. By speaking today, YOU can shape tomorrow!" He's right. Because it really is all about you: or most valuable asset. Go Sharks!