RODEO 2009: Lessons learned at RODEO translate to more effective operations Published July 23, 2009 By Tech. Sgt. Steve Wilkins RODEO 2009 Public Affairs MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Whenever Airmen converge here for RODEO, their actions and ingenuity could change the face of the Air Force. Air Mobility RODEO 2009 is a competition focusing on the air and ground skills of aircrews and related team members from around the globe. It provides Airmen and international counterparts a forum to share the best tactics and techniques. Gene Marquez, a program officer in Air Mobility Command's Lessons Learned Program at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., RODEO competitors act within established guidelines and directives to complete operations safely, accurately and efficiently. Employing years of experience, they independently developed effective procedures performing their jobs. RODEO provides an opportunity to see the best practices in each area. "The lessons learned program is a conduit, channeling great ideas to Air Force leaders for possible dissemination throughout the mobility force," said Mr. Marquez. "We want to capture, without question, new ideas to share throughout air mobility and associated units. Many of the fresh ideas we see at RODEO could be integrated into effective standards across the board." Since 2005, the lessons learned program has encouraged officials at RODEO to collect ideas and forward the details for validation. Throughout their evaluation, RODEO umpires note methods. They review what they see with team members in a post-brief. If they see something unusual, they'll forward the information for review. A review considers safety, soundness, redundancy and impact. Tech. Sgt. Shawn King, a RODEO umpire from the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center at Fort Dix. N.J., remembers a hazardous material checklist introduced at RODEO 2000 that became a general requirement throughout the command. Sergeant King said the checklist made sense and believes examples like that inspired the lessons learned program. Mr. Marquez also stated the process will make a real difference in codifying procedures for the contingency response groups, who are at RODEO for the first time. International participant, Israeli air force Lt. Col. Micah Swersky, said the most valuable time for exchange of ideas and best practices occurs away from the field of competition. "That's when you get to know other operators and learn from them and the umpires," said the colonel. Mr. Marquez said the information is collected and forwarded for validation. In fact, an international participant in the RODEO 2009 security force competition used some procedures the Lessons Learned team may look to incorporate into AMC procedures. RODEO is a biannual event, serving Air Mobility's greatest forum for providing Airmen an opportunity to share what they do and advance their skills.