News>CSAF addresses key Air Force issues at JB Andrews
Photos
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz speaks to Airmen Nov. 1, 2011, at Joint Base Andrews, Md. During the chief of staff call, Schwartz spoke about leadership, current Air Force issues and answered questions from the audience. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Perry Aston)
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz speaks to Airmen Nov. 1, 2011, at Joint Base Andrews, Md. During the chief of staff call, Schwartz spoke about leadership, current Air Force issues and answered questions from the audience. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Perry Aston)
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz speaks to Airmen Nov. 1, 2011, at Joint Base Andrews, Md. During the chief of staff call, Schwartz spoke about leadership, current Air Force issues and answered questions from the audience. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Perry Aston)
by Airman 1st Class Bahja J. Jones
11th Wing Public Affairs
11/4/2011 - JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. (AFNS) -- Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz provided insight into the latest developments in Air Force funding, manpower and morale during a chief of staff call here Nov. 1.
Schwartz opened the event by delivering introductory comments to the Team Andrews audience, then addressed the concerns of attendees during a question-and-answer session. The nation's economic woes -- and their effect on the defense budget -- was one of the topics the general addressed.
Schwartz said the on-going U.S. financial crisis has sparked a need for change in how the Department of Defense operates. With less money in the Air Force budget, the service will continue to review all areas -- including force structure, operations and investment, and personnel -- for further savings.
"We would rather be a smaller, capable Air Force than one that is larger and not ready," said Schwartz. "That's the strategy we're going to follow."
While the number of organizations, weapon systems and personnel in the service could be affected, senior Air Force officials are committed to ensuring that the changes will not hamper the service's ability to accomplish its mission, Schwartz said.
To maintain the Air Force's readiness during these fiscally constrained times, Schwartz said every member of the service will need to work together.
"To be a champion Air Force, we know that everybody counts, everybody contributes and everybody has to strive for all the excellence they can," said Schwartz.
Such commitment to the mission also means commitment to one another, Schwartz said, pointing out that the Air Force has seen 74 suicides by its members this calendar year alone. Schwartz challenged the audience to make it their job to look out for their fellow wingmen.
"I won't allow my teammate to make such a profound and permanent decision," Schwartz said, describing the mindset he expects of all Airmen. "If one of my teammates is in distress, I will make an effort to encourage them to seek help."
Though the Air Force is undergoing a number of changes, Schwartz assured the JB Andrews audience that the changes will result in an Air Force worthy of their service.
"If the American people lose faith in their Air Force, where do they go?" asked Schwartz, suggesting there is no alternative able to provide the Air Force's unique contributions to national security. "That's why it's important for us to serve well, to serve professionally and to take care of each other."
Comments
11/9/2011 7:27:40 AM ET I think the whole thing is BS. Being an AF vet of over 10 years, there has never been an instance where I see that someone actually cared about the next guy, especially Snco's. That's the problem is all these top people make all the decisions; never once did they personally go and talk to people on the ground. By on the ground, I mean that SSGT that is doing the job everyday or that SRA. They only talk to the SNCO's, and guess what, That SNCO is only going to tell the uppers what he wants them to hear or know. I thought as commanders you were supposed to get from behind the desk and see what going on in your unit. Make a no notice appearance to a shop and talk to that SSGT or SrA directly and find out what's what. Of course alot of SNCO's would be pissed because they wouldn't have time to coach someone up on what to say to the commander or CMSGT. Believe me, everybody knows but the commanders and chiefs how there are people in certain places and around when the chief or commander comes
Sergent Todd, japan
11/9/2011 2:07:59 AM ET MSgt C, Sgt Propaganda nailed it when he stated that ...it's a do as I say and not as I do Air Force. Your acumen of 36-2903 helps reinforce that there is a separate standard for USAF General Officers than those that exist for the rest of us. The facts are...GOs wear uniforms other than us and we will do what they say. As for comments about our leadership, it seems as these forums are the only ones that exist for us to express our uniform issues as Climate Assesments and the like change exactly zero. The Sgt was correct in stating a different standard for GOs. You are correct in quoting the AFI that allows the different standard for a GO.
Nailed It, Texas
11/8/2011 11:48:30 AM ET Hap Arnold wings. We don't wear those. I think you mean the Air Force symbol. Oh, by the way, that's not mandatory.Plus, GOs wear a different Lighweight Blue Jacket. Read 2903 sometime.
TJ, Texas
11/8/2011 11:09:36 AM ET The lightweight blue jacket for General officers is different than that of the rest of the force.Per AFI 36-2903...6.1.5.1.1. General Officer Lightweight Blue Jacket. The General Officer lightweight blue jacket mirrors the Air Force lightweight jacket in design with the following exceptions: an elasticized crew-style collar, slash-style pockets with a snap down flap and a tab with snap at the elasticized waistband...Also...the USAF symbol is still optional.Per AFI 36-29036.1.5.1...The Air Force symbol may be embroidered on the jacket at the Airman's expense...The latest version of AFI 36-2903 is available for download from the e-publishing site. Do yourself a favor and check your facts before posting comments about your leadership.
MSgt C, Offutt AFB
11/7/2011 3:36:39 PM ET I find it funny that the CSAF is not wearing the mandated lightweight blues jacket...you know the one with the HAP Arnold wings. Way to set the standard, Sir. I guess it's a do as I say not as I do Air Force....Oh wait I am sure the answer will be...Well I am testing it out to see what the Airmen think of it.
