Air Force may change, but leadership does not

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Michael Williams
  • 60th AMW command chief
Well by now you've heard me discuss or read about my perspective regarding how our Air Force is changing. I believe at the end of the day we will be a more compact and agile force ... ultimately, a more combat capable force.

My opinion is not derived from the fact that we (Air Force) are currently focused on recapitalizing the fleet.

As we stumble through the changes, there are those who are concerned, uncertain and quite honestly cynical of the impact the reductions and changes may have on the force.

In fact, today, an individual asked me, "What will the Air Force expect from its senior non-commissioned officers in the future ... after we've reached our new self-imposed end strength?" I thought about the question for a moment and deduced, "Leadership"...innovative, face to face leadership. We are committed to recapitalizing the fleet and winning the war on terror. For the first time in our brief Air Force history we are reducing the force in the mist of war.

Our Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force realized we must recapitalize the fleet if we are to remain the world's most y change, but leadership does notformidable Air Force...but how? Congress has no plans to increase our budgetary spending for this endeavor. Simultaneously reassuring the force that people must and will continue to be our primary focus.

That, my friend, is what we will demand of not only our SNCOs but our commanders, chiefs, first sergeant and frontline supervisors. The means in which we operated, in every medium, during the cold war will not suffice in tomorrow's Air Force. We need Airmen to think outside the box ... Air Force Smart Ops 21.

The way we are accustomed to operating must change. Leadership must take a strong, hard look at our current process and begin identifying tasks we can no longer accomplish.

Yes, that means elevating those tasks to wing leadership.

It's time to stop saying yes we can and start saying yes, "BUT" it will cause or result in mission degradation. Your creative leadership will be vital and essential to guide us through the challenges that lie ahead. Educating our Airmen on the purpose and the AFSO21 vision is critical. As leaders, you are the key to the success of AFSO21 but the owners, of the process, our Airmen, are the necessary ingredient we need.

To summarize my initial answer; leadership does not change. Our SNCOs will continue to be an integral part of this family and the glue that helps hold together this great Air and Space Force.