HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —
Participants from across the command took part in the first Air Force Special Operations Command Innovation Competition dubbed “Thunder Dome” here from July 15-19.
For the competition, Air Commandos presented projects and ideas to AFSOC senior leaders that required resourcing and development beyond their originating organization capabilities. Approved proposals stood a chance at receiving $2 million in Operation & Maintenance (O&M) funding.
Out of the 17 projects submitted to the AFSOC staff, only six were chosen to make the in-person presentation. The six projects were selected through weighted voting based on multiple factors including impact on readiness/advantage, alignment with AFSOC strategy, and feasibility of execution.
Prior to the presentations, AFSOC/Continuous Improvement and Innovation programs (CI2) provided teams extensive coaching for seamless presentations. Additionally, teams participated in an AFSOC/CI2 black belt certification project to improve future iterations of the Thunder Dome competition.
Due to the presenter’s outstanding ideas and preparation, the panel of judges decided to award all six projects funding.
“This is what AFSOC is all about; enabling Air Commandos to further develop innovative solutions that transform AFSOC and solve problems that impact our readiness and test our advantage,” said Lt. Gen. Mike Conley, commander of AFSOC.
Through conversations with AFSOC CI2, there is now a path forward to execute each projects funding.
The next Innovation Competition “Thunder Dome 2025” is in the works and will take place in January of next year. Ideas are currently being accepted by the Wing Process Managers.
Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs