#IAMIMSC: Capt. Will Mitchell
Duty title and unit: I’m a budget analyst with the AFIMSC Resources Directorate at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. I’m currently deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan, where I am the executive officer to the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan Resource Management Director.
Primary duty responsibilities: I’m responsible for managing the day-to-day activities of the director, including inter-theater travel; leading/coordinating Guardian Angel teams for face-to-face meetings; and reviewing and editing of national policy letters. Further, I’m responsible for the oversight and management of all U.S.-funded security requirements for the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police.
What’s the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is working in a combined-joint team environment where, through our synergistic efforts, we are ensuring the viability of Afghanistan as a sovereign nation. It’s a reminder of why we wear the uniform, and it’s a privilege to know that I’m part of a long line of Airmen who have worked to ensure a future for the Afghan people.
What’s a recent project that gave you a great sense of accomplishment?
I’ve been deployed since October and preparing for this deployment since May 2019, so my major projects list is small. However, I’ve used Air Force-wide systems created by AFIMSC to make the deployed environment better. My teammates back home in resource management created the Budget Execution and Analysis Tool (BEAST) to help us better manage/track the thousands of support requirements from our 78 installations. I created a similar tool here that has helped us track the thousands of Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police requirements, as well as bring fidelity to their execution. This additional fidelity allows us to produce real-time status updates to the 4-star commanding general and has proven vital to accurate and timely reporting to Congress.
Do you follow any mantra?
Work hard and always be humble and kind.
Which AFIMSC value do you identify with the most and why?
This is tough, because these values are very interdependent. However, I think I identify most with trust and transparency because that’s a battle I joined when I got to AFIMSC in 2018. As a customer, I wasn’t impressed; but as I got to know the people, understand the challenges, and see the potential benefits, I was sold. I wanted to be part of the team that transformed the way the Air Force funds installation support. Building that trust and transparency is critical to future success and recruiting future talent to the organization.
Anything you’d like to add?
I’m very thankful for my team in the resource management analysis and operations shop. They have taken such great care of me and my family since I deployed in October. They are an excellent example of what right looks like, and I can’t wait to get home and thank them personally!