CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Team Charleston, as we prepared for the impending chief master sergeant promotion release, I reflected on the rank, its importance, and how it came into being. By law only the top one percent of the enlisted corps is promoted to chief master sergeant. As a chief, I'm proud to say promotion to the highest enlisted rank is reserved for the most qualified senior master sergeants. Taking on several different roles, chiefs are often regarded as the backbone of the enlisted force. Chiefs are supervisors, subject-matter experts, mentors, managers, advisors and leaders. A chief's knowledge, experience and guidance are valued by leadership and sought after by subordinates. They advise commanders at the highest levels of command throughout the Air Force.
The rank of chief master sergeant dates back to the Korean War. A large number of Airmen enlisted in the Air Force to support the war effort, creating an excessive number of senior NCOs by the war's end during the late 1950s. With the war over, most enlisted personnel in the lower grades separated, leaving many E-7s in the service who wanted to serve until retirement. This became known as the "Korean Hump" and was characterized by stagnation in the grade of E-7 in the 16-to-20 year group. In an effort to relieve some of this stagnation, in 1958 Congress created the grades of senior master sergeant and chief master sergeant, which opened up promotions for highly qualified senior NCOs.
In 1966 the Air Force created the position of Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. Following the long standing Marine Corps and Army tradition of having a top enlisted leader, the Air Force realized the need for a similar position and Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. John P. McConnell appointed Paul Airey as the first CMSAF. According to General McConnell, "The man selected to fill this job will be used as a representative of the Airman force when and where this is appropriate, and will serve as a sounding board for ideas and proposals affecting Airman matters. It is not intended that they be in the chain of command or on the coordinating staff, but he will have unrestricted access to the Air Staff." To date 15 chiefs have been selected to hold this coveted position.
This year we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the appointment of the first CMSAF (Paul Airey). I attended the celebration banquet hosted by the current CMSAF, and it was an honor for us to have CMSAF Paul Airey in attendance. His presence and the presence of the other former CMSAFs were an inspiration to us all.
Congratulations to our selectees Senior Master Sgt. Michael Lake, from the 437th Civil Engineer Squadron, and Senior Master Sgt. Christopher Riley, from the 437th Maintenance Operations Squadron. As you get ready for your first position as a chief master sergeant, you can rest assured you have been prepared. The past jobs you've held, your mentors and the people you have encountered will help you to embrace being a chief. Best wishes to you in your future endeavors. Never forget where you came from; never forget what it was like to be a young Airman because they are the chiefs of the future.
Team Charleston - Take the Fight to the Enemy!