Jumper talks uniforms, ops, tankers

  • Published
  • By Airman Christie Jurgens
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. (AFPN) --  Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John Jumper talked to airmen here about upcoming changes in the Air Force during a visit to the base Aug. 22.

He shared his thoughts on the new fitness program, the new uniform, deployment issues and the acquisition of new tankers.

All of these changes were brought on by the transition to a more expeditionary Air Force, Jumper said. The transition to a new fitness program gets back to the basics with a 1.5 mile run, push-ups and sit-ups.

"We can run, do push-ups and sit-ups anywhere; it's not practical to bring a bicycle with you on a deployment," he said. "I don't think there's a person out there who actually likes the bike test. I know I don't."

Jumper also talked about new physical training gear to be introduced in January.

"We are going to try to take advantage of some of the new moisture-control fabrics without having them cost too much," he said. "What we are trying to do is make them part of the kit (airmen) get when they come out of basic training, but when you go to replace them, I don't want you having to pay $40 for a shirt."

Another major change in the fitness program will be to place responsibility on the chain of command to ensure physical standards are met.

"I want the squadrons to help each other take the … test," Jumper said.

Another change the Air Force is researching is a replacement for the current battle dress uniform.

"Anyone who wears the current uniform knows the first time you take it to the dry cleaners that will be the last time any air passes through it. And a lot of times we find ourselves out on ramps in 115-degree temperatures," he said.

Researchers are experimenting with the same materials the Marines use in their new uniforms.

"With the borrowing of the material, we also borrow the durability and wash-and-wear characteristics, which saves our people money," said Jumper.

"Right now we are still in the test stages," he said. "We are still playing with the different camouflage patterns."

Three hundred uniforms are being tested in hot and cold conditions, and the people doing the testing and suggesting the improvements are airmen doing their jobs out in the field, Jumper said.

"All I ask is that you give (them) a try, and then decide if you like them or not," he said.

Both of these changes are designed to make deployments more comfortable for airmen and increase productivity, Jumper said.

Jumper said a return to the normal air and space expeditionary force cycles is in sight.

"We have two 120-day cycles that are planned right now," he said. "That should get all of our reconstitution done, give people time to catch their breath, and then we should start back into the normal cycle in March."

He added that there would be modifications to the current procedures, but generally the changes are going to continue to make life easier for airmen.

Another change senior leaders are studying is how the service brances can better work together, Jumper said.

"It's a matter of taking a conscious look at what the real requirements and the real threats are, and responding to those," Jumper said.

Addressing the proposed lease of new aerial refueling aircraft, the general said if the deal is closed, he is confident the transition will be quick.

Air Force officials selected, and the Defense Department has approved, the Boeing 767 as its tanker candidate. The new aircraft will be able to deliver 20 percent more fuel than the 43-year-old KC-135E model. It can be refueled in flight and has the capability to refuel Air Force, Navy, Marine and allied aircraft on every mission.

"We should be able to do the same mission with fewer airplanes, and we don't take away the crews, so the crew ratios will be higher," he said. "If you have a higher crew ratio, you get an airplane that is more reliable (and is) available more of the time, and we should be able to make this job easier even if the ops tempo stays high," Jumper said.

The new fitness program, the new uniform, the potential integration of the newest tanker into the fleet and other changes in the forecast shows the Air Force is continually improving itself for its airmen, Jumper said.

"We have proven in our recent battles that we are the world's greatest Air Force," he said. "And, while it may be tough to constantly improve the best, the Air Force continues to do so."