Web-based Innovation Published Feb. 9, 2015 By Senior Airman Jared Duhon 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- The Air Force is built on the innovations of its Airmen. For improvements to be made, leaders must provide avenues for their Airmen to submit ideas. Capt. Neal Ballas, 436th Airlift Wing commander executive officer, was a key player involved in kick-starting a web-based platform used by Airmen for idea submission. "Col. Grismer [436th Airlift Wing commander] thought up a way for anyone to put forth ideas they think will help their section, the base or the Air Force," said Ballas. "We thought the best way to get the most usage is to incorporate the program into the Enterprise Information Management (EIM) page." Ballas said he thinks the program is off to a good start. The service is now online and providing Airmen like Senior Airman Ezra Williams, 436th Maintenance Squadron wheel and tire journeyman, a way to vocalize his thoughts and gain a more in-depth understanding of processes here. "I believe this type of open forum discussion for new ideas is an integral part of the military reaching new heights in terms of the relationship between what you can do for the military and what the military can do for you," said Williams. "This gives everybody a chance to be heard regardless of rank; it gives everyone a voice while allowing for feedback from your fellow Airmen." To suggest an idea to the Innovation Discussion Board, proceed to the EIM page and click on the big blue banner button across the top of the main page. "After you click on the link, it will take you to the main page where you can post your questions and comments that aren't classified or sensitive, as this is not a secure site," said Ballas. "To post a professional idea click the 'Submit New Idea' button, add your subject, body, what category the idea fits in and if you would like to add your name. After completing the above information, agree to the business rules and your idea will be posted." Tech Sgt. Shawn Kill, 436th AW inspector general inspections NCO in charge of wing exercises, thinks it is a productive process. "There have been plenty of discussions amongst myself and other Airmen with good ideas to improve the wing and nowhere to funnel the information to," said Kill. "The Innovation Discussion board provides us that sounding board." The site will be monitored constantly by subject matter experts who will provide regular responses. "As the site grows and we get facilitators, more and more ideas will be seen and questions answered as to why the base can or cannot complete an idea," said Ballas. "We can have subject matter experts and commanders get the logistics and details of the plans for a suggestion and explain the reasoning behind the cancelation of projects." Williams believes the site is a great idea and provides a positive avenue for elevating Airmen concerns to higher levels. "The idea of knowing that the lowest-ranking person can have his or her ideas read by the highest-ranking person on base is amazing," said Williams.