News>Commentary - Global Strike Command celebrates two years of success
Photos
Lt. Gen. Jim Kowalski, the commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, speaks to Airmen about Global Strike Command and efforts to strengthen the nuclear enterprise July 26, 2011, at the Air Force Sergeants Association's Annual Professional Airmen's Conference in San Antonio. Some 600 Airmen participated in the event. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Rey Ramon)
Lt. Gen. Jim Kowalski, the commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, speaks to Airmen about Global Strike Command and efforts to strengthen the nuclear enterprise July 26, 2011, the Air Force Sergeants Association's Annual Professional Airmen's Conference in San Antonio. Some 600 Airmen participated in the event. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Vernon Young)
Commentary by Lt. Gen. Jim Kowalski
Commander, Air Force Global Strike Command
8/8/2011 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. (AFNS) -- On Aug. 7th, it was two years since Air Force Global Strike Command was activated to be "a new major command focused and dedicated to the nuclear and conventional global strike mission -- a key component of strategic deterrence."
When we set out on this path two years ago we understood the need to organize our force to drive discipline and professionalism consistent with the highest standards required of us as stewards of nuclear weapons. We were confident that, over time, we would have a force that not only understood the demands of this mission, but embraced the special trust and responsibility the nation has given us.
At this point we cannot declare victory. Developing an enduring culture requires a long-term commitment by all in this command, and by Air Force and Department of Defense senior leaders.
We are incredibly proud of the gains made by our Airmen and civilians, and echo the words of Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz when he said, "Our successful stand-up was possible because of the commitment, innovative spirit and sheer hard work of Global Strike Command Airmen."
We also need to thank Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Norton Schwartz for their unwavering support. They recognized that long range strike and nuclear deterrence were Air Force core functions from our earliest days as a separate service, and those functions remain critically relevant in a multi-polar and uncertain global security environment.
As we have improved our nuclear processes, we have not forgotten our significant conventional responsibilities. The command's conventional global strike and command and control capabilities were used to powerful effect during the beginning days of Operation Odyssey Dawn over Libya. We must continue to have both the discipline and flexibility to balance nuclear and conventional requirements.
Our work in our core mission areas is not without challenges. One of the biggest challenges came just last month when more than 1,200 Airmen and family members were forced from their homes in Minot, N.D., as a result of flooding.
The support to the flood recovery efforts from across the command and the Air Force was, and continues to be, amazing. The steady and tenacious headquarters staff efforts along with individual and organizational donations provide the most vivid definition of the phrase "Air Force family."
Thank you for all you have done over the past two years to 'To Deter and Assure'...it's my honor to serve with you!
Comments
8/16/2011 9:19:06 PM ET Same Here said, "The Air Force's original definition of combat was reserved for the fighter pilot mafia who beileved they were the ones who the world revolved around." No.
Ret MSgt, St. Paul MN
8/16/2011 9:01:55 AM ET This is not SAC. In SAC there was a checklist and you followed it completely and every time. No questions asked. You also had someone check and make sure you followed it. If you didn't you were fired. There wasn't a place for mistakes. I will say the complacency of the Air Force in regards to nukes and everything else didn't happen over night. It will take a while to get to the SAC mentality. I just don't think Air Force leadership has the guts to enforce accountability for everyone all the time.
Jerry, Oklahoma
8/13/2011 5:29:43 PM ET Those here talking trash about who is legit or not legit based on combat are just clueless. Would the Chinese taking down the US grid via a cyber attack make a Rambo like O3E anymore macho and relevant in his little mind? Would getting lost in LA on his way to Disneyland because GPS went down affect his macho world. Maybe he could scare people in South Central with his stories of combat. So what kind of combat does O3E have Flying CAP over Iraq? Well some Army grunt might laugh at calling that combat. Of course then a SpecOps guy that goes deep in enemy territory might laugh at the grunt and O3E with their stories of combat. Oh maybe the finance guy can just cut off O3E's paycheck over his belittling of finance not being combat in the Air Force. You can just walk to your next combat Rambo O3E since the Air Mobility guys are not combat enough for you either. Better yet get out of my Air Force.
Buzz Lightyear, Outer Space
8/13/2011 10:23:37 AM ET @ROF, websters defines combat as a fight a struggle or a conflict. The AF definition of combat is thrown around so loosely that the 1-stripe Airman in finance who has three AFCM's 6 months out of tech school is considered a combat or warrior Airman. Sitting in an AWACS at FL420 spinning an orbit is not combat. Flying a path and dropping payload is not combat. The Air Force's original definition of combat was reserved for the fighter pilot mafia who beileved they were the ones who the world revolved around. This is just another attempt to make everyone feel special and give a trophy to the guy who came in last place wheezing from smoking 2 packs a day at the 100 yard dash. Ask anyone who's been in the field, seen the enemy and directly engaged them and sought cover from direct if they believe someone sitting comfortably in a flight deck reading a maxim qualifies as combat.
Same, Here
8/12/2011 4:28:11 PM ET @Same Here: Soooo lumbering above the clouds and dropping bombs is not combat. How do you define combat? Tell that to our WWII 8th AF vets who faced enemy flak and fighters and lost some 10,000 of their comrades KIA. Or were those simply non-combat losses in your book since they lumbered in the clouds?
ROF, COS CO
8/12/2011 3:52:02 PM ET O-3E: I take it you are a Capt or wannabe Capt. You must've not paid attention in SOS or probably never got invited in residence, which is most likely based on your ignorance of space and global strike in national defense worldwide. I doubt you would tell Generals Kehler and Shelton how unimportant space global strike and cyber are to the DOD or belittle their buzz lightyear wings. Nevermind the space global strike and cyber Airmen deployed worldwide or even back CONUS defending this country in places you have no clue about. I recommend you cease with this garbage on the internet, especially on THE Air Force website.
Nukehead, MacDill AFB
8/12/2011 11:32:24 AM ET @Nukehead, Amen. But given we were directed to stand up this additional dedicated nuclear command we might as well make the most of it, although it's not what the DoD Task Force on nukes envisioned. But we have started to mend and heal the nuclear handling transgressions and stains upon our Service. Given the mission, doing nothing is the success. @Doug, and it's refreshing to see recovery extend to accountability even to GO ranks although like you state, it is subjectively applied. The mindset of accountability is key. Yes in SAC we knew we were fully accountable for the mission and our actions and that in turn led to mission competence. We must continue to return ourselves to a culture of competency, personal responsibility, accountability, and enforcement. With that we can streamline our enormous overhead and commit resources where needed. Right now we have too many commands and duplication but that's a necessary evil, for now because of lack of accountability and poor enforcement.
Nukehead in 4 MAJCOMs , Saddle Rock CO
8/11/2011 10:38:48 PM ET Nukehead - go fly a satellite with your Buzz Lightyear wings. You probably think practicing to push a red button makes you a combat warrior too. Wake up and see the reality AF leaders tried to make you believe.
O-3E, Worldwide
8/11/2011 4:01:22 PM ET A lot of stupid comments about how AFGSC does nothing and isn't really combat or part of any COCOM plans. Just because the big stick hasn't been swung at someone doesn't mean we can't do it when needed. As someone who did 7 years in the nuke business prior to moving to space ops, I understand what the bombers and ICBMs bring to the table. You should be thankful they are there 24/7/365. Meanwhile some here just babble on about things they don't know much about.
Nukehead, MacDill
8/11/2011 11:30:38 AM ET Why is the AF response to anything that isn't working to create a new HQ? Why not take the manpower sent to the headquarters and reinvest it to the base level where the mission is accomplished? Do we really need another HQ staff telling the bases they aren't meeting the mission when the HQ staff is manned by people who could be better used at the base to accomplish the mission? I have an idea. Why don't we create a HQ office to study this? Wait, we do! It is called smart ops afso 21 or whatever the go word is today. And we wonder why people are burning out.
bored, somewhere US
8/11/2011 7:49:23 AM ET Former Striker, my sentiments EXACTLY. When I was in SAC we had a thing called accountability. Now the AF enforces it when it feels like it. If I had flown a B-52 to Barksdale AFB with nukes on board I guarantee that I would not have made O-5 below the zone and go to Air Command and Staff College in residence. Just UNREAL.
D. Heffernan, Queens NY
8/10/2011 3:25:18 PM ET A hollow organization that's not done anything other than status quo attempts to jusitfy its continued existance beyond the 3-yr trial period. They have made the bomber fleet even less conventionally capable -- the most likely type of all warfare -- to a point where no combatant commander desires their use. O-3E's statement about selling is more true than anyone would like you to believe.
Strategy, CONUS
8/10/2011 2:49:56 PM ET Billy, all sarcasm aside, maybe you should look up the definition of combat. Lumbering above the clouds, dropping bombs, or running radar on an AWACS is not combat. I'm sure the Lt. Gen. is an accomplished person and likely a nice guy, but looking over his bio does not indicate any combat experience, lest we use the term as loosely as we have in other areas. Combat finance, combat basketball handler, combat launderer. Give it a break. It's the same old Air Force political game where true leaders are squelched while those who look good on paper progress.
Same, Here
8/9/2011 9:52:25 PM ET Mousepad - if ever a command billet was to be developed to harness the stunning leadership of of a proven combat leader like LTG Jim Kowalski he has forged a career understanding this business. O3E - Hope you paid attention. I listened to him speak countless times as a junior officer when he commanded the 28th Bomb Wing. This is a dangerous business shepherded and guided by a proven combat leader. The nation earns and deserves nothing but the best. Seems like they are getting it in AFGSC.
Billy Mitchell, USAF
8/9/2011 8:10:24 PM ET Terrible. Commanders fired those who truly responsible, promoted below the zone and school slots galore. What a joke.
Former Striker, TX
8/9/2011 7:21:43 PM ET SAC by any other name...
Dave Taylor, San Diego CA
8/9/2011 8:44:55 AM ET ...we cannot declare victory...we must continue...not without challenges. These words do not sound like AFGSC is resting on their accomplishments. I for one am glad the AF has placed so much emphasis on our restoring our nuclear-related processes and organizations. The men and women who dedicate themselves to this mission should be thanked not demeaned.
Eric Carlson, Randolph AFB TX
8/9/2011 2:02:21 AM ET It is all about command billets.
Mousepad, Europe
8/8/2011 4:22:02 PM ET We did it again. Created another organization that has done nothing that claims success. This general spoke at SOS. We're selling a box with nothing in it - and the people are buying it.
