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***image3***Airmen are better prepared than ever before to meet the challenges of today’s Air Force, said the Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force.
Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney McKinley said during a visit to Ramstein July 9 that enlisted Airmen are more educated, better trained and supervisors are better at priming tomorrow’s leaders.
“Our enlisted Airmen are the most highly-educated in our Nation’s history. I have no doubt about the quality of our Airmen from Airman basic to four-star general,” Chief McKinley said. During his visit and series of enlisted calls, the Chief restressed three priorities of the Air Force and the significance of the Airman’s Creed, saying the No. 1 priority is the war on terrorism, and it is everyone’s job to retain Airmen and their families.
The chief said one of the tools to aid Airmen in meeting priorities is Roll Call.
“This face-to-face leadership with Airmen, the value is unbelievable,” said the former command chief of the 86th Airlift Wing. “It’s an opportunity to look at these Airmen and deliver messages from major commands talk about safety.”
He also said the Airman’s Creed should be integrated into ceremonies across the Air Force, and every Airman should know it by heart.
“How can you not be impressed with, ‘I’m an American Airman, guardian of freedom and justice’?” he said. “The Airman’s Creed (was created) on our watch, and we should take great pride in it.”
The 15th Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force said he sees the American Airmen as technical experts in their field – experts who will, in the future, take on increased roles and responsibilities. The Chief cited the reduction of ancillary training as one way to help Airmen have more time to devote to their jobs and leadership roles. The Air Force has taken steps to reduce Ancillary Training to 90 minutes a year.
“An Airman’s time is valuable, and we need to make sure we use Airmen’s time more efficiently,” said the Chief. “This gives our people more time to be focused on their jobs − (we will become) a better Air Force.”
While at Ramstein, the Chief saw efficiency on the job when he helped load patients on an aeromedical evacuation mission heading stateside.
“The AE mission is outstanding – from the lives we save to the continuing care we provide,” said Chief McKinley. “I wanted to be there every step of the way to see how we take care of our great Americans.”
The Chief said the quality of the Air Force – Airmen and mission – is better than ever.
“We’re recruiting the best, morale is high and retention is high,” he said. “I feel secure about the future of the Air Force.”
