AETC command chief talks war to Team Vance

  • Published
  • By SrA Amanda Mills
  • Public Affairs
Vance Air Force Base, Okla. --  During a visit to Vance Air Force Base Monday to Wednesday, the command chief master sergeant of Air Education and Training Command said AETC is doing very well in the global war on terrorism.
"All our bases are playing in the contingency tasking environment," said CMSgt
Karl Meyers. "Vance AFB is also playing a key role right now having more than 20 people deployed around the world. We've increased our (Unit Type Code) taskings over the last several years from 7,000 to 14,000 and are currently sitting at more than 20,000 ... I think that says a lot about what Gen
(Donald) Cook's goals are as well. He wants our command to partake where and when we can in the (Air Expeditionary Forces), but we also have to remember that when we participate we still have, within our command, 100 percent of our mission still being conducted back at our home station. So we need to balance our mission and the need for people to have some of that contingency experience."
The Air Force prepares its airmen for operations, whether local or for a contingency, through training.
"First and foremost, we look at the mindset of training as we fight, and preparedness is key," Chief Meyers said. "At Vance, the Air Force's Full Spectrum Threat Response Instruction means more overall exercises, as well as announced training exercises that are not graded but should still be approached as if they are; It's always better to discover deficiencies during an exercise versus the real world environment."
Everyone in the Air Force is trained to do a job, whether it's in the war, daily training or contingency taskings, Chief Meyers said.
"We must all be ready when the Air Force calls on us and when the mission dictates," he said. "That is our responsibility when we raised our right hand in support of our country. But in the global war on terrorism, I have never seen such great support for our airmen from the average American, and this makes our job easier. Nowhere is this more evident than from the local community at Vance, supporting Vance Air Force Base's effort."
The chief also addressed the recent Enlisted Force Development initiative and the Stripes for Exceptional Performers program.
The enlisted force development process is in its infancy stages, but it's going great, he said.
"It's better explained as a definition of force development, and that is to deliberately shape training, education and assignment processes as needed so that our total force effectively meets Air Force requirements at all levels -- that's presently and in the future," Chief Meyers said. "General
(John) Jumper (recently) came out with a sight picture on the chief master sergeants. Many changes are on the table in how we manage our most senior personnel, and that was needed for many years. This new direction will help develop our chief master sergeant resources to have the right chief, with the right skills in the right place to meet Air Force requirements. And when I mention the future, chief master sergeants are just the beginning. Ultimately, nearly every aspect of our education, training and assignment process will need to be looked at to ensure we can meet the needs of our Air Force and the needs of our airmen. I think force development is a great initiative."
STEP promotions have been rationed throughout the Air Force for years, the chief said.
"We get about 422 stripes across the Air Force, and we proportion those stripes based on overall enlisted strength that are eligible for promotion," he said. "This year Vance Air Force Base came right under the cut line. Though this occured this year (based on enlisted manning strengths), it does not stop Vance from competing for a STEP stripe at other levels within AETC. I know your leadership will use all available means to ensure your outstanding members are given due consideration."
Before his final thanks to Team Vance, Chief Meyers offered some advice for airmen looking to fill his shoes.
"I never thought I'd be wearing these shoes," he said. "I never thought I would be a command chief master sergeant, and in some cases I never thought I was going to be a chief master sergeant. I came in the Air Force for four years, and this is where I really ended up. The Air Force is full of opportunity ... take advantage of all those opportunities the Air Force gives each and every person.
"The promotion system is based on equality and everybody has an equal chance at being promoted ... bottom line is, if they want to end up in my shoes, do their best every single day. Come into work with the mindset of 'I'm going to do my best today in my job' and before you know it, 26 years have gone by and you're in the position of critical importance."
The chief said he was very impressed with the people at Vance AFB and how they're accomplishing the mission. From the leadership to the appearance of the base, the people of Vance are doing an outstanding job with an outstanding focus.
"I'd like to thank everyone from Team Vance for a memorable visit and great support," the chief said.