News>CSAF talks Air Force innovation, evolution at AFA Conference
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Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III presents the "State of the Air Force" during the Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition in Washington, D.C., Sept. 18, 2012. Welsh focused on the service's values, missions and the need to tell its story. (U.S. Air Force photo/Scott M. Ash)
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III presents the "State of the Air Force" during Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition in Washington, D.C., Sept. 18, 2012. Welsh focused on where the Air Force has been and how it is changing. (U.S. Air Force photo/Scott M. Ash)
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III recognizes Master Sgt. Toni Worthey for her leadership and efforts as a noncommissioned officer in charge at Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations at Dover Air Force Base, Del., during his keynote presentation on the state of the Air Force at the Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition in Washington, D.C., Sept. 18, 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo/Scott M. Ash)
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III introduces Senior Airman Shemiel Christopher for his work at the Dover Air Force Base, Del., Fisher House during his keynote presentation on the state of the Air Force at the Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition in Washington, D.C., Sept. 18, 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo/Scott M. Ash)
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III presents the "State of the Air Force" during the Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition in Washington, D.C., Sept. 18, 2012. Welsh focused on the service's values, missions and the need to tell its story. (U.S. Air Force photo/Scott M. Ash)
by Tech. Sgt. Jess D. Harvey
Air Force Public Affairs Agency
9/18/2012 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The Air Force chief of staff spoke about the current state of the service during the Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 18.
Gen. Mark A. Welsh III recognized the Air Force's birthday, giving tribute to airpower icons and sharing the stories of present-day Airmen against the backdrop of an ever-changing force.
Developing, evolving and advancing, the general explained, are where the Air Force excels.
"Innovation is what we're all about -- we always have been," Welsh said, adding that the service offers the technology, great people, an important mission and a focus that nobody else brings.
"Innovation -- it's everywhere in our Air Force," he said. "The F-22 (Raptor) is an entire farm of innovation. It does things no airplane can do and no airplane will be able to do for a while."
Since its inception 65 years ago, the force has seen its share of changes, and more lie ahead, Welsh said, noting how budgetary pressures, particularly the possibility of sequestration, have spurred reassessment of programs across the Defense Department.
"It's time for an honest look in the mirror," Welsh said. "Who are we going to be when we grow up? It's time to think seriously about that."
The general spoke candidly about the complexities of evolving philosophies and programs.
"Our doctrinal terms are changing; what we're calling missions is changing," Welsh said, advocating a back-to-basics approach to keep the Air Force on the right path.
In 1947, the Air Force became a separate service and the executive order enacting this listed the force's primary missions, Welsh explained.
Among the service's listed missions were air superiority, strategic air forces, air reconnaissance, airlift, air support for ground forces and coordination of air defense.
"Sound familiar?" Welsh asked. "(The missions) haven't changed -- these are still the things that our combatant commanders expect us to deliver."
The Air Force's loss of air superiority would change the Army's and the Marine Corps' ground tactics, Welsh said.
"This is a foundational element of the use of airpower in joint warfighting," he added.
The general reinforced his point with the story of an Army colleague. His friend shared that he'd been deployed several times, and frequently worried about supply routes, perimeter defense, and enemy attacks.
But pointing skyward Welsh's friend spoke frankly, "Not once in my career have I ever worried about anything up there."
Such instances, the general said, are a testimony to the contributions of airpower to the fight.
"Since Curtis LeMay, we have been the best in the world and we will remain that way," Welsh said.
Comments
9/21/2012 1:52:47 PM ET Thank you, General Walsh, for your life as a USAF leader. We appreciate your 'back-to-basics' resolve and hope that even as the Air Force still holds the Air Superiority title in the world today you will not allow those with small to no faith to trump those who come face to face with their God in the clouds. That seems to be the case with regard to the Rapid Capabilities Office logo. We never know when that appointment will come but when it does - and it surely will let us make sure we do not erase the name of God from any seals, heraldry or other forms of motivation for our USAF people. Stand Strong Pray Hard Trust in God
Jennifer Derr, Indiana
9/19/2012 2:42:50 PM ET Very well put. I think we also need to be a sustainable force for the future of this nation. We must be empowered and equipped with the tools technology resources and personnel to fly fight and win therfore maintaining our air superiority along with being able to just do our jobs on a daily basis. The roles of the Air Force have become very complex and broad and I think General Welsh is correct in saying that we need to get back to the basics of what we're all about and what our real mission is. Most importantly we must put our people first and take care of the ones that have dedicated their lives and have sacrificed so much for this branch of service we call the United States Air Force. A former marine that I work with in my civilian job said that the Air Force is just for support but I know that we are much more than that. We have proven over the last 65 years to be the most cabable air and space power in the world and God willing will continue to be so. The freedoms of this
TSgt Lawrence Fraley, Wright Patterson AFB
9/19/2012 7:59:18 AM ET US RPAs and other aircraft have performed magnificently in Iraq and now Afghanistan. And as CSAF points out Not once in my career have I ever worried about anything up there.But at the end of the day it is General Welsh's Army colleague and other service members who provide boots on the ground that must engage the enemy on the battlefield and win the hearts and minds of the enemy's supporters. That is often overlooked and forgotten at 30K ft.
