AETC command chief shares insights with Vance Airmen

  • Published
  • By Ellie Driver
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. – Chief Master Sgt. Chad Bickley, the Air Education and Training Command command chief, met with Airmen and experienced Team Vance’s culture of excellence firsthand, during an immersion visit July 17, 2024.

While touring the wing, Bickley coined several high-performing Airmen and learned how Vance delivers world-class pilots ready to meet the needs of combatant commanders world-wide. 

“Vance is known for its culture,” Bickley said during an all-call with NCOs and officers. “This is the first time I've visited Vance, and I can tell this culture is what right looks like.”

Bickley also toured the enlisted dormitories and communal morale areas like the Airman’s Lounge and Spouse Space, located in the Chapel Community Activity Center. Both areas are initiatives designed to provide Airmen with a place to connect and blow off steam after work, and a location for military spouses to congregate for meetings or work remotely. 

While speaking with Vance leaders and instructor pilots at the 8th Flying Training Squadron, Bickley noted the number of training sorties that their team flies daily – more than 130. He referenced that number again during an all call explaining the importance of all Airmen, regardless of rank or career field, in keeping the Air Force prepared for all contingencies. 

“We need every Airman to act and think like a warfighter if we are going to win against a near-peer adversary,” he said.

The chief shared what he considers one of the most important keys to excelling in an Air Force career. “You want to know the secret to success? You want to know what separates you from your peers? Read,” he said during his all call. “The smartest people in the world read every day.”

During his visit, Bickley learned how virtual reality training simulators have revolutionized pilot training, and how human performance initiatives like Comprehensive Readiness for Aircrew Flying Training (CRAFT) improve future warfighters’ physical, mental and nutritional well-being.