Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy addresses Airmen about various topics during a visit to Langley Air Force Base, Va., Jan. 11, 2012. Chief Roy represents the highest enlisted level of leadership, and as such, provides direction for the enlisted force and represents their interests to the American public and to those in all levels of government. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Racheal Watson/Released)
Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy speaks to enlisted Airmen during a visit to Langley Air Force Base, Va., Jan. 11, 2012. Chief Roy provided insight on current Air Force issues such as force management programs and how the budget will affect operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Racheal Watson/Released)
Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy signs his portrait at the Langley Club during a visit to Langley Air Force Base, Va., Jan. 11, 2012. Portraits of previous chief master sergeants hang on the walls of the Langley Club, enshrining chiefs who made a significant and lasting impact during their service. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Racheal Watson/Released)
Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy signs a Professional Development Guide for Senior Airman Derrick James, 633rd Logistics Readiness Squadron traffic management journeyman, during a visit to Langley Air Force Base, Va., Jan. 11, 2012. Chief Roy visited with Team Langley’s junior enlisted council to discuss readiness, focus on training and staying motivated. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Racheal Watson/Released)
by Tech. Sgt. Randy Redman
633rd Air Base Wing Public Affairs
1/17/2012 - JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. (AFNS) -- Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy addressed a capacity crowd of Airmen and civilians at the Langley Theater on Jan. 11, and covered a wide variety of key Air Force issues.
Roy spoke on topics such as training, force management programs and how the current budget will affect operations, and took questions from Airmen on promotion, mentorship, retirement and commissioning programs.
"Hopefully you've all had a chance to hear the new defense strategy. If you haven't, I would challenge you to go and read it," said Roy, offering his support for the president's recent announcement that the military will refocus its efforts on the Asia-Pacific region and cyber warfare.
Roy said there are many changes coming to how the military operates at home and abroad, and how most of these changes are driven by the current budget constraints facing the entire nation, including the $487 billion cut to Defense spending over the next 10 years.
"Will that change the way we operate? You bet it will, but I like the way the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General (Norton) Schwartz, says it, 'You've got to understand that we are a $100 billion Air Force, and we are the best Air Force there is.'"
As always, Roy said his highest priority is taking care of the men and women who serve in the greatest Air Force the world has ever known.
"What I'm concerned about is what education, training and experiences would be taken away from you. I've got to make sure we continue to develop you in such a way that you are prepared for the future," Roy said.
Because of the current financial issues facing the Air Force, Roy said only 45 percent of the budget for travel for Enlisted Professional Military Education is currently funded. Additionally, Col. Stewart Price, Air Education and Training's Barnes Center commander, recently announced that travel for senior leaders to attend EPME graduations for their personnel has been permanently suspended. These changes are only the beginning of how EPME will transform in the coming years.
"One of the things that we are trying to do is what I call EPME Next. You will hear more about that soon, but what I will tell you is that we are trying to make sure that you continue to get what I call the core," said Roy, referring to basic training and technical schools. He said those are the foundation of our culture, and what enables us to achieve monumental success on a daily basis.
"If you are working on the flightline on the F-22 (Raptor), the most modern aircraft we have in the inventory today, and you have not been to tech school and learned the fundamentals of maintaining that thing, do you think we are going to get the same level of expertise? I don't think so. So we've got to hold onto that core," said Roy.
On a lighter note, Roy said training opportunities for EPME have been recently designated internationally.
"We have now opened up a couple of schools across the globe that we accept as equivalent courses to our NCO Academy, and particularly our Senior NCO Academy," said Roy, dropping hints at potential opportunities in Canada, South America, Singapore, New Zealand and Africa.
In addition to these initiatives, Roy said the Air Force is making sure it is taking care of its people.
"We realize that we are still at war; there are people being shot at and people being blown up, and we need to make sure that you and your family are resilient," said Roy. "I clap my hands every time I mention it, because it was really ACC that started Comprehensive Airman Fitness."
CAF, which was spearheaded by Gen. William M. Fraser III, the former ACC commander, is a program that focuses on four pillars of wellness.
"Being fit to fight means more than just being physically fit," Fraser said. "With all of the demands on our Airmen and their families, psychological and emotional health are just as important to our overall fitness, and to our readiness as a command."
Roy said there are plenty of Airmen who are affecting battle space around the globe from their home station. When they get off work and have to take care of their day-to-day responsibilities, like mowing the lawn or changing diapers, those Airmen face mental challenges none of the other services endure.
"There are quite a few ways that manifests itself... we've had seven suicides already this year," Roy said. "What do I say about that? Know yourself, but be a good wingman. It's not just a one-on-one approach. If you see somebody struggling, go to them and help them. That's being a good wingman."
In addition to the all-call, Roy had breakfast with enlisted Airmen of all ranks, held a meeting with Langley's Top 3. He also discussed current issues affecting Security Forces and Equal Opportunity before heading back to Joint Base Andrews, Md.
Comments
2/1/2012 4:36:04 PM ET Is ALS, NCOA, SNCOA in residence really necessary? Our ever shrinking budget demands that we take a hard look at this. Course 14 and SEJPME by correspondence at little or no cost to the DoD creates an outstanding way ahead for EPME. Future development of the vEPME world should be looked at by our Senior Leadership. Why can't EPME be done via Distance Learning as with college courses?
SNCO USAF, Scott
1/25/2012 8:57:13 PM ET I support EPME. I think the Chief is right describing it as our core. I also believe sending some individuals to attend EPME internationally enhances our force through a unique perspective. What I do think is absolutely outrages is sending individuals to attend EPME internationally without attending a US equivalent first. Having served in Canada with Canadians, I truly believe the training we receive in the US military is far superior to that of other countries. Where do you think other countries look for expertise in creating their training programs? Often they look to the US and while their curriculum might be good it is not great.
Scott, USA
1/21/2012 7:19:24 PM ET Yes, please drop tops in blue. Most Air Force members dont even want to see them.
Trell, Sheppard afb tx
1/19/2012 3:50:34 PM ET EPME is a great idea similar to what course 12 is now where the learner guides him or herself through the lessons. or PME should be abolished all together and implement a professional development program that is current and relevant. After all, it is just another block to fill because it's required if you want to get promoted. If I were king for a day, I would abolish ALS and NCOA and make getting a CCAF degree mandatory before getting promoted to E6. The upside is it puts the responsibility on the member and it promotes usage of funds already allocated in the TA. In the process, the member learns more elaborate managerial and leadership principles at the collegiate level and not the piece mill guided discussions taught at PME.
ddub, TX
1/19/2012 10:36:25 AM ET Since DoD money is so tight, stand down the Thunderbirds and the Blue Angels for a year. Instead of using airshow performances to show taxpayers how their dollars are spent, standing down will show them how serious DoD is about the defense budget. Considering how DoD is downsizing, the rationale for using these demo teams as a recruiting tool is moot.
JD, JBER
1/19/2012 5:09:57 AM ET I find it interesting that the CMSAF talkes about education and cuts to PME and you jump to the bands. Yes the bands cost money, but who do you think plays at official functions across the globe, MAJCOM Awards Banquets, serves teh troops at remote locations, etc. Tops In Blue is supported mainly through non appropiated funds, so they don't even count in the budget and come from mainly MWR Funds because their primary purpose to provide Moral to the Deployed Airman and Families of Deployed Airmen.
MSgt K, Ramstein
1/18/2012 10:21:08 PM ET Just once I'd like to hear a legitimate answer from our highest-ranking Chief about issues that Airmen are facing. Every one of these articles is packed with vague political answers that provide a response, not an answer. It would make it easier to believe that he's taking steps to continue to develop us in such a way that you are prepared for the future. Maybe I just don't know what to look for as proof, but I'm not seeing anything concrete.
Airman, PACAF
1/18/2012 8:55:37 PM ET Funny, Roy says As always Roy said his highest priority is taking care of the men and women who serve in the greatest Air Force the world has ever known. but the enlisted force hears nothing out of his office outside of his glad-handing sessions.
Retired SNCO, Retirement
1/18/2012 4:51:42 PM ET BS-Quit the Band bashing. The Band serves a critical link to the public's understanding of the Air Force. Its not all about bombs on target. We have to maintain public support. The band helps do that like no one else can.
John, USA
1/18/2012 1:04:12 AM ET Does anyone else see the irony in promoting our 100 Billion dollar Air Superiority in the same context as outsourcing the PME of our core enlisted ranks to other countries? Will the NCOs chosen for these courses actually be in billets where a relationship with the host military is a necessity driven by organizational requirements? Or is this selling another method of fluffing EPRs and wasting more funds for the good of a few at the expense of the majority?
Sgt. A, USAF
1/17/2012 7:47:18 PM ET I wish the USAF would come out and justify all the bands - Tops in Blue, PACAF Band, USAFE Band. I completely understand an USAF band at Andrews to serve the President, etc. But seriously, it costs lots of money to move these people equipment around.
