How SSgt. Nestle, Spark Tank Semi-Finalist, Tackles Pain Points Head-On
In late 2017, Staff Sgt. Alexander Nestle and his team at Kadena Air Base were already problem solvers, creating innovation solutions across the base.
As a software developer with an Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) of Computer Systems Programmer, Nestle has had the opportunity to code and create tools of value for the Airmen around him.
This allowed him and his team to successfully facilitate and manage a wide variety of software solutions, ranging from an application to manage status of forces agreements (SOFA) to an electronic checklist for F-15 pilots to interact with instead of the traditional paper copy or PDF file.
For Nestle, each unique problem is ready to be tackled by a unique solution.
“We will try to implement any solution we think will facilitate operations, regardless of the domain.”
At that same time, AFWERX was in its inception.
As an ecosystem spanning across government, industry and academia, we aim to break down the old way of thinking, striving to create a bridge for ideas and a catalyst for solutions.
Our goal is to be a path of enhancing innovative culture and effectiveness Air Force-wide.
It was only a matter of time Nestle would collide with our mission.
At Kadena AB, Master Sgt. Joy McCammon identified a software problem regarding the bottleneck and low tracking visibility of the performance report and decorations process by the Military Personnel Flight.
She recognized the time consuming and inefficient process of consolidating several reports into one database and ultimately turned to the software developers to help improve the process.
“It’s was great working with the developers,” she said. “We didn't have any roadblocks and SSgt. Nestle and his team were very supportive. They took all our requirements and they helped us out with a prototype, and then we decided to go bigger.”
They gained ground fast and successfully through collaboration and partnership.
When asked about the outcome of working together with MPF, Nestle responded:
“We collaborated together and that was where we really flourished. We were able to not only define the problem, but come up with a solution.
What we came up with was much more productive than we originally anticipated and from there we realized our idea could help hundreds of people.”
The solution, called the Personnel Records Analytic System (PRAS), offers a way for personnelists to track the Enlisted and Officer Performance (EPR/OPR) Report submission process and decorations. This helps to alleviate administrative burdens and automates a large portion of their job while offering statistical data visualization to leadership.
As more people started to hear about PRAS, Nestle and his team reached out to their local Spark Cell in Kadena AB, which was in its infancy at the time.
Spark Cells are part of AFWERX’s decentralized network of innovation cells providing Airmen with resources and support across the innovation network.
Spark’s goals include:
- Further a culture of innovation within the Air Force
- Provide Airmen with the pathways and resources to solve tactical-level pain-points
- Create a robust network of experts from industry, academia, and the government
“That’s when I really appreciated what the innovation community as a whole was doing, they brought in a different perspective; not to focus on what it is right now, but what it could become in the future,” Nestle said.
With PRAS catching steam, Nestle and the PRAS team were named one of two of the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) Spark Tank nominees to compete at the Air Force Level.
To McCammon, this was a huge accomplishment. Even if their software application didn’t make it to the finals of Spark Tank, it was far from the end of the road for them.
Currently, they are working with AFWERX and our network of industry and academia to take this solution and give it global reach.
“It wasn’t a blow to us that we didn’t win — we knew that because of AFWERX there are many different avenues we could pitch our idea in again, and next time it won’t just be a prototype, it will be a working system. “
As for Nestle, working with the Spark Cells and AFWERX was fulfilling to see collaboration and innovation go hand in hand.
“AFWERX worked very quickly to network a solution, making sure we are solving problems today, not tomorrow.”
When asked what he would say to that Airman at any level, that are second guessing themselves or their idea, this is what Nestle had to offer;
“No matter where the idea comes from, a good idea will be embraced. We live in a time of change. Everyone is looking for a new way of thinking and a new way of doing. If you think you have identified a solution to one of your problems, own it, own it, own it, and pursue it with a passion.”
Spark Tank 2021 is now open for submissions until Oct. 16, 2020! Learn more and submit your ideas: Spark Tank
