Air Force Life Cycle Management Center's new command chief outlines philosophy

  • Published
  • By Glenda Pate
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Oh. --  Finding a way to personally meet each Airman throughout the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center -- who are spread across 77 locations -- and explain the importance of balancing life skills are among the priorities for the center's top enlisted member.

"The challenges that I have are reaching out to approximately 2,500-plus enlisted members in AFLCMC, letting them know who I am and finding out what I can do for them," said Chief Master Sgt. Doreen Losacco, AFLCMC command chief. "I've already started a list of names at some locations and will hopefully be traveling to meet people in person. One of my objectives is to touch the lives of the AFLCMC's enlisted members by mapping their growth and equipping them with the right tools to be successful."

Losacco arrived at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in June from Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, where she served as command chief for the 80th Flying Training Wing. She admits that her past maintenance/logistics assignments, predominantly in operational major commands, contributed to her limited knowledge of AFLCMC and Air Force Materiel Command.

"I've had to do a lot of research and currently I'm taking an acquisition 101 course to increase my knowledge of this center as well as AFMC, to help me in my job," Losacco
explained.

"It's fascinating to learn how AFLCMC applies its processes to an idea or concept and subsequently manages the life cycle of Air Force weapon systems from their inception to retirement," Losacco said. "Earlier in my career, when we needed something for our mission, the items eventually showed up. Now I'm becoming familiar with the acquisition and development aspects
along with other stages that items go through before the customer -- such as an operational command -- receives them.

"I'm also realizing the importance of feedback from our customers," she continued. "Sending information back to us about the design of an item can help make things better, which is a win-win
for the Air Force. It's definitely been an eye-opening experience so far, but I'm enjoying it."

Balance is another key stepping stone that Losacco emphasizes wherever she goes.

"Each individual has to balance their careers, home life, education and their community involvement," Losacco said. "To highlight this concept, I like to share a button analogy. A button typically
has four holes. Each hole represents a part of our lives - work life, family life, community life and personal life.

"If the thread from one of the holes begins to fray, the button can become loose," the chief continued. "Eventually, if a person doesn't take care of the thread from that hole, it may result in the loss of that button.

"There may be occasions when one buttonhole is, or needs to be, larger than the others for a period of time, but eventually the areas should return to a more equal state," Losacco continued.
"For example, Airmen understand the need for education - whether it's earning a degree from the Community College of the Air Force or completing professional military education at the appropriate time -- to improve their chances for a future promotion. But I firmly believe that balancing professional (educational) priorities with the remaining three areas is paramount to an Airman's overall success. It's a message I plan to continue to pass on at every available opportunity."

Losacco also emphasized that all Airmen have a valuable role in providing global vigilance, reach and power for the nation.

"Everybody brings something to the table," the chief said. "We cannot get the mission done without all of us doing our part ... and that starts right here in AFLCMC."