Day 1: Valus/Problem Solving

Question 1

What does OODA stand for?

Answer 1

Observe, Orient, Decide, Act.

Question 2

Who created the OODA Loop and for what purpose?

Answer 2

Col John Boyd, USAF, for military operations requiring quick decision-making.

Question 3

What happens in the “Observe” phase of the OODA Loop?

Answer 3

Gather raw information using senses; understand the environment and current situation.

Question 4

Why is the “Orient” phase the most important in the OODA Loop?

Answer 4

It shapes how we observe, decide, and act. It includes filtering info through culture, experience, etc.

Question 5

What does Col Boyd say is key to winning in the OODA Loop?

Answer 5

Operating at a faster tempo than the adversary to create confusion and disorder.

Question 6

What occurs during the “Decide” step of the OODA Loop?

Answer 6

Select the best course of action based on orientation.

Question 7

What happens in the “Act” phase of the OODA Loop?

Answer 7

Implement the selected solution and continue the loop based on new observations.

Question 8

Define Problem-Solving

Answer 8

Purposeful act of observing a problem and then deciding to solve it, after considering solutions and deciding upon one

Question 9

Steps for the 8-Step Practical Problem-Solving Method

Answer 9

1.) Clarify the Problem (OBSERVE)
2.) Break Down Problem and Identify Performance Gaps (OBSERVE)
3.) Set Improvement Targets (ORIENT)
4.) Determine Root Cause (ORIENT)
5.) Develop Countermeasures (DECIDE)
6.) See Countermeasures through (ACT)
7.) Confirm Results and Process (ACT)
8.) Standardize Successful Processes (ACT)

Question 10

What is the 8-Step Practical Problem Solving Method (PPSM)?

Answer 10

A systematic, long-term approach to problem-solving for the Air Force focused on process improvement.

Question 11

Compare the 8-Step Practical Problem-Solving Method to the OODA Loop Model

Answer 11

Both the OODA Loop Model and the 8-Step Practical Problem-Solving Method are iterative and follow the same type of pattern

Question 12

When was PPSM adopted by the USAF?

Answer 12

In 2009, by Secretary Michael Donley and Gen Norton Schwartz.

Question 13

What is the main goal of PPSM?

Answer 13

Help Airmen focus on solving mission-impacting problems efficiently and effectively.

Question 14

Is PPSM better for short-term or long-term problem solving?

Answer 14

Long-term.

Question 15

What is the first step in PPSM?

Answer 15

Clarify and validate the problem.

Question 16

What are key questions to ask when clarifying a problem in PPSM?

Answer 16

Will resolving this contribute to strategic goals?

Does it address organizational weaknesses?

Is there a performance gap?

Has someone directly observed the issue?

Question 17

What should a clearly defined problem be like in PPSM?

Answer 17

Clear, specific, objective, and measurable.

Question 18

Why is defining the problem so important in PPSM?

Answer 18

It helps teams focus and reduce turmoil in problem-solving.

Question 19

What are the Core Values of the United States Air Force (USAF) and United States Space Force (USSF)?

Answer 19

Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do.

Question 20

Cognitive Lesson Objective?

Answer 20

Understand the types of systemic problem-solving processes.

Question 21

What was the occasion for the USAF Honor Guardsmen’s appearance in Washington, D.C. on March 20, 2022?

Answer 21

An awards ceremony honoring four Americans with the President Joseph R. Biden Lifetime Achievement Award for volunteer service.

Question 22

Cognitive Measurable Samples of Behavior

Answer 22

Define problem-solving.

Compare the 8-step Practical Problem-Solving Method to the OODA
Loop Model.

Understand the steps for the 8-Step Practical Problem-Solving Method.

Question 23

What it Means: Airman & Guardian

Answer 23

Definitions:
“…enlisted person in the Air Force”
“…an enlisted person of one of the four ranks below sergeant”

Question 24

Guardians are characterized as:

Answer 24

Principled public servants
Space-minded warfighters
Bold and collaborative problem solvers

Question 25

What is means being an Airman or Guardian

Answer 25

Combination of the Profession of Arms, the oaths we swear, and the Core Values or 4 Cs that we live by

Question 26

Airman’s Creed

Answer 26

I am an American Airman. I am a warrior. I have answered my nation’s call. I am an American Airman. My mission is to fly, fight, and win. I am faithful to a proud heritage, A tradition of honor, And a legacy of valor. I am an American Airman. Guardian of freedom and justice, My nation’s sword and shield, Its sentry and avenger. I defend my country with my life. I am an American Airman. Wingman, leader, warrior. I will never leave an Airman behind, I will never falter, And I will not fail.

Question 27

Importance of the USAF & USSF Core Values

Answer 27

Bedrock of leadership in the Air and Space Forces Institutional values and principles of conduct Moral framework for military activities Fundamental and enduring

Question 28

“Virtue” defined in A Profession of Arms: Our Core Values

Answer 28

“desired behaviors and characteristics that we must practice and demonstrate”

Question 29

Virtues

Answer 29

Desired behaviors and characteristics Demonstrate one truly values Integrity, Service, and Excellence Consistent practice results in habits of honorable thought and action Habits lay the foundation for professionalism and character

Question 30

“Virtue” defined in Oxford English Dictionary

Answer 30

“a quality considered morally good or desirable”

Question 31

Integrity First

Answer 31

Single most important part of character Doing the right thing, all the time whether everyone is watching or no one is watching Moral compass that keeps us on the right path Foundation upon which trust is built Thoughts and actions align with what is right

Question 32

Integrity First: Virtues

Answer 32

Honesty – This is the only way to preserve the trust we hold so dear with each other and with the population we serve. Courage – Willingness to take personal and professional risks, make decisions that may be unpopular, and to admit to our mistakes. Accountability – Maintain transparency, seek honest and constructive feedback, and take ownership of actions and decisions. Humility – Service with gratitude and absent arrogance; putting others before ourselves as we seek to add value to our communities

Question 33

Service Before Self

Answer 33

Professional duties take precedence over personal desires Call to live to a higher standard Commitment that takes energy, dedication, and sacrifice Servant mindset Embrace expectations and requirements of the profession of arms

Question 34

Service Before Self: Virtues

Answer 34

Virtues that demonstrate one truly values service: Duty – Consistently choosing to make necessary sacrifices to accomplish the mission and, in doing so, honoring those who make the ultimate sacrifice Loyalty – Commitment to the success and preservation of something bigger than ourselves - demonstrated by helping each other act with honor Respect – Treating others with dignity and valuing them as individuals

Question 35

○ Excellence In All We Do

Answer 35

Does not mean that we demand perfection in everything from everyone. Instead, this value directs us to continuously advance our craft and increase our knowledge as Airmen ■ Mission ■ Discipline ■ Teamwork

Question 36

What is 'The Guardian Ideal"

Answer 36

“At the heart of the Guardian Ideal is the commitment between the leader and the led, founded upon our core values of Character, Connection, Commitment, and Courage… these values guide who we are and how we conduct our mission. They will unite and sustain us as we grow together as one interconnected force.” – Gen Raymond, Former Chief of Space Operations

Question 37

Guardian 4 Cs: Character

Answer 37

■ Character ■ Connection ■ Commitment ■ Courage

Question 38

Commitments that demonstrate one truly values character:

Answer 38

Act with integrity, honesty, candor, transparency, and dedication to the team Be accountable to the team for decisions and actions Uphold the highest standards and live the USSF values

Question 39

Guardian 4 Cs: Connection

Answer 39

Common purpose greater than ourselves Stronger together than individually Embrace a variety of perspectives Treat everyone with dignity, empathy, respect Leverage the best each has to offer

Question 40

Connection: Commitments

Answer 40

Engage everyone with respect, honesty, and authenticity Foster an environment that encourages expression and is free from fear Encourage teammates to share thoughts and talents Give help when asked and seek assistance when needed

Question 41

Guardian 4 Cs: Commitment

Answer 41

Pursuit of mastery of self, profession, domain See opportunities to learn and grow Make best use of the unique strengths of teammates

Question 42

Commitment: Commitments

Answer 42

Commitments that demonstrate one truly values commitment: Work to achieve audacious goals Learn from experience Seek and offer candid feedback Facilitate growth and improvement Embrace challenges Work to be better tomorrow than today

Question 43

Guardian 4 Cs: Courage

Answer 43

Do what needs to be done Say what needs to be said Hold to our convictions Recognize power to choose, regardless of circumstance Bias toward action Accept necessary risk to secure & defend domain

Question 44

Courage: Commitments

Answer 44

Commitments that demonstrate one truly values courage: Be steadfast and stand up for what is right Seek opportunities to innovate Share thoughts and ideas to help the team and mission Take smart risks