AF chief brings message of core values, modernization

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Latanya Reid
  • Thunderbolt staff writer
MACDILL AFB, Fla. --  Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley addressed more than 600 enlisted servicemembers regarding their future in the military during a briefing held at the Base Theater May 4.

Chief McKinley, dressed in the new Airman Battle Uniform, welcomed members in attendance he spoke about the events and devastation that took place Sept. 11, and how this has affected all Americans.

He said the war was not against Iraq or Afghanistan, but against terrorist organizations and how their actions on that day took more than 3,000 American lives. The chief added that if the terrorists were given the opportunity they would have tried for more in an attempt to take away the freedoms enjoyed by Americans.

"We are determined to win this war on terrorism so our children and grandchildren don't have to worry about riding the bus in fear," he said.

Chief McKinley also spoke on various issues that affect the military such as the ongoing Global War on Terrorism, the everyday freedoms that people in the U.S. have, developing Airmen and the recapitalization and modernization of the Air Force.

"Chief McKinley's message was very strong and important; it captivated all those in attendance," said Chief Master Sgt. Lloyd Hollen, 6th Air Mobility Wing command chief.

The points he stressed are very important, it's where the Air Force's current focus lies and they affect every servicemember, said Chief Hollen.

During Chief McKinley's speech, he emphasized the roles and responsibilities of those placed in the leadership positions and the responsibility all supervisors have in shaping their Airmen to become future leaders.

Developing the Airmen and taking care of them is important to winning the GWOT, which is the Air Force's top priority, the Chief stressed. He went on to say that the warrior ethos every Airman learned in basic training needs to be instilled in our operational Air Force.

He urged supervisors to take an active role in the proper development of each Airman assigned to them and that they inspire the new servicemembers through expressing gratitude for their contribution to the unit.

"The supervisors need to get to know their Airmen," Chief McKinley said. "This is a part of the process of setting them up for success which is our responsibility."

The chief added that it's crucial to get involved with their new Airmen to keep them stable and motivated to do their best.

He also spoke about improvements in the overall housing standards for servicemembers, both overseas and stateside. As well as, the plans toward future change for the Air Force, with the extension of the basic military training program and the introduction of a new bachelor's degree program for enlisted members.

The chief spoke about the new program and how more than 20 online colleges and universities will be accepting the credits earned toward a Community College of the Air Force associate's degree and how they will all be transferable toward earning an accredited bachelor's degree.

The chief emphasized that the GWOT, recapitalization and modernization of the antiquated tankers and fighter jets were necessary to improve combat capabilities.

"No one in our Air Force drives a 25 year old vehicle, but yet we are fighting a war with fighter jets that are more than 25 years old," he said.

Replacements for the 45 year old tankers, the B1-B Lancer and B-52H Stratofortress bombers, as well as better space assets are needed to help win the GWOT, said Chief McKinley.

Employing Air Force Smart Operations 21 techniques of finding ways of maintaining operations with fewer people, and doing things smarter with the resources available serves as motivation to do well, he said.

The AFSO21 process includes rethinking how enlisted servicemembers are trained in order to give them more time to focus on the tasks at hand. Designing ways to make certain procedures quicker and less time consuming is another objective, added the chief.

Chief McKinley then answered questions and took comments from the audience.

With his closing comments he reminded servicemembers of their duties and responsibilities in maintaining freedom as well as to maintain readiness and lead the audience in reciting the newly revised Airman's Creed.