CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Team Charleston, at the Airlift/Tanker Association Conference Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney McKinley was one of our guest speakers.
Chief McKinley took the opportunity to provide a roll call to the command chiefs and stand alone group superintendents and it was a rare pleasure for us. The topic was "Standards and Discipline," which is very relevant to our way of life. It was evident Chief McKinley is not only passionate about standards and discipline, but he is also very passionate about the Air Force and our enlisted force.
We live and die by adhering to standards and maintaining good order and discipline. Our standards establish the boundaries within which we work and live. Standards are reinforced constantly during feedback sessions and daily interaction with supervisors, other leaders and our peers. The standards set forth in Air Force Instructions, technical orders and Air Force policies are our framework for excellence and we use them to determine if mission goals are being met.
Once we are made aware of the standards, we then have the responsibility to maintain those standards. This is where discipline comes into play. According to Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley, "A disciplined force puts mission first; flies, fights and wins as a team; knows the rules; pays meticulous attention to detail; and is accountable for the final results." As we continue to fight the war on terror, we cannot afford to stray from fulfilling the mission.
Everyone has a role to play and we need everyone to strive to be their very best. Our attention to even the simple things, such as reporting to work on time, proper wear of the uniform, and not drinking and driving, helps to make us a more disciplined war-fighting force.
As Chief McKinley concluded our roll call, he challenged us to memorize the Airman's Creed. I accepted his challenge and invite you to join me. Our Airman's Creed puts into words our war-fighting spirit and reflects the pride we have in our heritage. In memorizing the creed, we make it a part of us; we make it readily available to draw on to help remind and focus us. As you see me around the base ask me how it's going, but be prepared to be asked the same.
Some of the most ardent supporters of Air Force standards and discipline are our first sergeants. The First Sergeant Council is a close knit group of senior noncommissioned officers focused on helping their squadron commanders maintain standards and discipline.
Congratulations to our two newly graduated first sergeants, Master Sgt. Chris Tapscott and Master Sgt. Mark Peters -- they will be joining our amazing group of diamond wearers. Both were stationed here at Charleston and we are fortunate to have them remain here. Sergeant Tapscott will be assigned to the 437th Civil Engineer Squadron and Sergeant Peters to the 437th Maintenance Operations Squadron. Their enthusiasm and energy are apparent. Both are anxious to roll up their sleeves and get to work. We look forward to great things from both of them as they take care of our Airmen.
Greetings to Gen. and Mrs. Arthur Lichte, and Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Barron. We look forward to showing you the exciting and innovative accomplishments of the men and women here at Charleston AFB.
Team Charleston - Take the Fight to the Enemy!