188th pursues diversity, inclusion throughout the wing

EBBING AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ark. -- Throughout the past year, the 188th Wing has encountered many transformations that would affect the wing's history. On June 7, 2014, the unit bid farewell to the final two A-10C Thunderbolt II "Warthogs." This was the first time since the unit's inception that active aircraft would not be stationed on the ramp. Then, another milestone was achieved on Jan. 11, 2015, when the 188th Wing received its first female commander.

Since the conversion from a fighter wing to a remotely piloted aircraft and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission set, the 188th Wing has perused a variety of ways it can rebrand itself to reflect its current capabilities. To embrace the wing's recent changes, the 188th Equal Opportunity office and Human Resource Advisor are working together to complete a diversity and inclusion strategic plan for the 188th Wing.

"Diversity is who we are; the aggregate of our strengths, perspectives and capabilities. Inclusion is what we do; the collective behavior that creates the culture," said Chief Master Sgt. Kerry Mitchell, 188th Human Resource Advisor.

The 188th Wing researched the demographics of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and the surrounding communities to provide the data necessary for this plan.

In order to expand the diversity of ideas, knowledge, experience and thought, the EO and HRA offices took a look at the holistic aspect of a person and are seeking ways to reflect the demographic information found in their research, not only with current members of the wing, but also with potential Air National Guard candidates.

"We are trying to increase recruiting efforts and reach out to schools where we know we have underrepresented populations," said Maj. Danielle Wood, 188th EO director. "We are also striving to become more involved within the communities to broaden our outreach."

Recruiting a diverse workforce is the critical first step for the 188th's future, and ensuring each Airman is enabled to maximize their individual potential is the essential ingredient to an inclusive environment.

"My focus as the HRA is to pursue various ways to standardize the process of mentorship throughout the wing and to continue to analyze and address issues that present barriers to each member's success," Mitchell stated.

With the new mission, new standards are generated and the 188th is raising the bar requiring Airmen and applicants to be highly trained, skilled and experienced individuals.

"Because of the mission you are going to see a different type of Airman," Wood said. "You are going to see a more educated, diverse wing based on the fact that the demographics and requirements are changing."

The 188th Wing strategic diversity and inclusion plan is not finalized yet but will include realistic goals such as optimizing the wing diversity council and developing a diversity action team to look for answers to better recruit, retain and reach out to our community. The goal is also to develop a wing mentoring and counseling program and career development courses along with a leadership project initiative.