CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
The 18th Air Force command chief recently visited Charleston AFB and spoke to base Airmen.
While he was here, Chief Master Sgt. Brye McMillon shared his thoughts on some current and popular Air Force topics.
What can Airmen expect with continued force-shaping and force-reduction programs?
Airmen need to know that there is an end; even though I don't personally know when; the end will come for sure. The chief master sergeant and secretary of the Air Force are both doing their best to determine when an end will come to force-shaping and force-reduction. In the meantime, Airmen should continue to train, retrain and do all their work to potential. They also need to remember that the purpose of force-shaping is not to eliminate people but to put them in the right places.
Many Air Force career fields are deploying for eight to 12 months and there is also talk about the air expeditionary force cycle moving to six months. Are you worried about stress levels, Airmen's family lives or the retention of our Airmen?
The chief of staff and the secretary of the Air Force are continuing with 120-day deployments, but there are certain career fields that do deploy for longer because there is more need for those specialties in deployed environments. However, I am always concerned for the well-being of Airmen and their families. This is because Airmen in combat zones put more stress on themselves and their families. Even though deployments may be changing, we need to remember our mission won't change as long as we're still in this Global War on Terrorism.
We've heard a lot about Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century recently. How important is it and why?
I think everyone would agree that the person doing the job is the one who knows best about how the job should be done. Through AFSO 21, we are cost-cutting, saving time and enhancing procedures while still completing the mission. This is important because now we can get the mission done better, faster, safer and people are more eager to come to work with better outlooks and attitudes.
Do you see a difference in the Airmen joining the Air Force today and those that joined the same time as you?
Everyone else says right away that Airmen today are smarter than Airmen were years ago, but I don't usually say just that. I do agree that Airmen today are statistically more educated, but I think the main difference is that Airmen today are joinng the Air Force in a time of war. They're joining knowing that they will probably be deployed, but they also join hoping to get an education. The difference between now and years ago is the Airmen join with a different mindset, but the similarity is that we still make up the best military service.
What's your impression of Charleston AFB and its enlisted force?
I say this about almost every base, but it's always true for every base. Charleston AFB has a unique place with a specific mission that has an enlisted force with a never die, never give up, dedicated and motivated attitude. I'm impressed with the caliber of the enlisted force here.