New 350 ELSW commander focuses on effective acquisition, work force

  • Published
  • By Monica D. Morales
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AFB, Mass. --  Sketching an overall picture based on the singular traits of a variety of individuals -- from his own children to supervisors -- is what Col. Robert Dominguez says has guided him through the path of his career and led him to his new post as 350th Electronic Systems Wing commander.

As commander of the 350 ELSW, Colonel Dominguez leads a 1,300-person organization, and manages a $14-billion portfolio of programs that develop, field, and sustain command and control and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities for combatant commanders, special operations forces, and joint and allied partners worldwide.

"The opportunity to lead this organization, which is really a high-performing one with many important products and great people, is something that is very personally satisfying, but also projects a strong sense of responsibility," he said. "I want to ensure that the people here have the best opportunities to do the finest work that they can."

While he's still formulating specifics goals for the wing as he gets better oriented to the work of its groups, the colonel said that there are some fundamental basics that will underlie his organizational objectives.

Foremost on this list is continuing to enhance the wing structure to maintain effective acquisition processes.

Not far behind that, Colonel Dominguez said, is ensuring that his work force has access to the best opportunities available to further develop their abilities.

"The mission of this organization provides a great opportunity for the people here to further develop, expand and explore their roles as acquisition professionals," he said.

It's the colonel's previous acquisition experience at varying levels - from product centers to the decision-making levels at both the Air Force and the Office of the Secretary of Defense - that provide him the best vantage point and enough prior firsthand experience to know the specific needs of the organization's people.

"I do remember, very well in fact, the challenges that are faced at that more tactical level," Colonel Dominguez said. "The C2ISR world has many unique aspects apart from what other mainstream programs - like aircraft - might encounter. We need to make sure we pay attention to those types of details."

In addition to traits he's found valuable, like cultivating an energetic approach, being at ease with one's duties and striking a balance between work and other life arenas, he said that the bottom line is simple.

"You have to find those elements that you feel are necessary to make things happen ... and run with it," Colonel Dominguez said. "That's how you can contribute to the organization and satisfy the mission, while also discovering what you as an individual can contribute most."

When asked about his new organization's spirit, the colonel said that it acts as a special motivator for him to do more and better things.

"The spirit of this wing came through during the appointment to command ceremony and it really can inspire you," he said. "You want to put forth that much more effort and give back what they are giving to you in expressing that enthusiasm."