#IAMIMSC: Master Sgt. John Johnson
Duty title and unit: Explosive Ordnance Disposal Program Resource Analyst, AFIMSC Installation Support Directorate, JBSA-Lackland, Texas
Primary duty responsibilities: I am responsible for the resourcing portion of organizing, training and equipping all Air Force EOD forces. I manage a $250 million portfolio and conduct data analytics for the career field.
What’s the best part of your job?
The people I get to work with. A former commander referred to EOD technicians as “savage scientists.” Some of the best people I know are EOD technicians, and I have made life-long friendships through my Air Force journey.
The second best part of my job is the problem solving. It is why I got into EOD and it is why I love it and will continue to do it. For me, there is nothing more fulfilling than working and defeating a problem.
Why are you and your job important to the Air Force and AFMC?
I was vectored to this position as a result of completing the enlisted-to-the Air Force Institute of Technology, or AFIT, program. I feel like I gained the tools there to bring a different perspective to AFIMSC. My team and I are focused on bringing solutions to the warfighter. We are most interested in eliminating requirements that do not add value and highlighting those that provide the greatest impact.
What’s a recent project that gave you a great sense of accomplishment?
One of the largest projects I have worked on in the year I have been in this seat was developing a methodology to prioritize EOD’s resourcing efforts within the Agile Combat Support portfolio. We are gathering input from the tactical level to weigh the urgency and the utility of equipment items to ensure we are getting the most crucial and impactful equipment to the field. So far, it has been met with positive results within EOD and we are looking at how we can expand this to other career fields.
Which AFIMSC priority do you most identify with – or see yourself and your job fitting into – and why?
While my job relates most to increasing lethality and readiness, I feel a strong connection with strengthening Airmen and families. I love people; I love to meet people, connect with them and get to know them. This job has allowed me to visit several EOD flights in multiple Air Force major commands and it is always a pleasure to engage with the Airmen and gain their perspective.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I have a beautiful wife and three kids who have been incredibly supportive through all our moves, deployments and temporary duty assignments. They are my rock and I owe any success in my career to them.