“True North +” Unification Initiative – Advancing Air Force Medical Service Readiness by Optimizing Physical and Mental Health
Client: Air Force Medical Command (AFMEDCOM), Air Force Medical Service
NOVACES advisors are at the forefront of supporting the Air Force’s “True North +” unification initiative, a Congressional mandate designed to enhance resilience among service members and their families while reducing negative and violent outcomes across the force. By helping develop and pilot a unified model, NOVACES plays a critical role in aligning strategic efforts to optimize physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, ultimately improving unit performance and overall mission effectiveness.
The Challenges
This enterprise-wide initiative touches every part of the Air Force, aiming to enhance force readiness and resilience through a unified, data-driven strategy. At its core is a commitment to direct engagement with unit members to address physical and mental health challenges. Due to the complexity involved, leadership looks to NOVACES for hands-on advisory support through:
- Weekly program management and leadership coordination meetings
- Development of strategic Courses of Action (COAs) aligned to six Levels of Effort (LOEs)
- Delivery of high-level frameworks, defined requirements, and measurable implementation expectations
Solutions Delivered
This multi-generational initiative is one of the largest program integrations in Air Force history. NOVACES advisors are supporting the development of the following:
Restructuring Regional Medical Services
A RACI (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed) workflow framework to guide the restructuring of regional medical services in collaboration with the Air Force Medical Command (AFMEDCOM)
Continuous Improvement & Innovation (CII) Concept of Operations
A strategic blueprint to serve as a foundational planning tool for future readiness-related initiatives and ensure cohesive integration and mission alignment
Business Architecture Governance Model
A governance model to define clear roles and decision-making frameworks, improve transparency and accountability, and optimize resource allocation and program oversight.
Key Takeaways
NOVACES provided critical research and insights that enabled state and local leaders to make data-driven recovery and development decisions. Our efforts helped:
Seamless Integration
Through this transition, NOVACES is supporting the seamless integration with the Military Health System and the Defense Health Agency, while advancing health and readiness outcomes for Airmen.
Consistent Execution
A clear governance structure directly supports the Air Force’s Readiness Generation Model, enabling consistent execution of business initiatives tied to mission-critical outcomes.
Transformational Risk Mitigation
Structuring business models to facilitate direct engagement with unit members and address physical and mental health challenges creates opportunities for early intervention.
Coaching & Mentoring
Mentoring belt candidates and delivering Lean and Six Sigma tools equips individuals positioned closer to the root causes of issues to solve problems faster.