Op-ED: Process over purpose

[unhappycamper]

Process over purpose
By Brian L. Braden - [e-mail]

Three companies are vying for the $15 billion, 140-aircraft program: Boeing, which is offering the HH-47; Lockheed Martin, which is promoting the US101; and Sikorsky, which is offering the S-92.

The Air Force selected the HH-47 last November, leading to several rounds of protests, but even if it’s re-selected, this off-the-shelf helicopter based on a late 1950s design won’t be fully fielded before 2019.

In the meantime, the Army has selected several new models, including the CH-47F, UH-60M, UH-72A and ARH-70A. The Marines selected the CH-53K as their new heavy-lift helicopter. These programs are not without problems, but at least they’re moving forward. Why can’t the Air Force do the same?

The problem is broad swaths of the Air Force are becoming more like government bureaucracies and less like military entities.

Bluntly put, we have a bad case of “government disease.” It happens when an organization becomes so process-oriented it loses sight of its original mission.

Several things happen when process trumps purpose.


Rest of article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/community/opinion/airforce_backtalk_searchandrescue_071022/



uhc comment: Rock on, Brian. You've accurately described the *Co war machine.