AFMC's new command chief master sergeant is 'all-in'

  • Published
  • By Bryan D. Carnes
  • Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS) --  During 28 years as an Airman, Chief Master Sgt. Eric R. Jaren has learned that a successful career requires not only fulfilling your duties, but thinking outside the box as well. For those who do both, he said, opportunities arise.

The latest opportunity for Chief Jaren came by way of Gen. Donald Hoffman, who was searching for a command chief master sergeant for Air Force Materiel Command.

"I was floored when I was told General Hoffman wanted to interview me for the command chief position," said Chief Jaren.

Three weeks later, on Jan. 12, Chief Jaren reported for his new job at AFMC Headquarters here.

"The opportunity of a lifetime must be taken during the lifetime of the opportunity," the chief said. "This is definitely one of those times."

His advice to all enlisted, whether they are serving for four years or 30, is to "bloom where you are planted, regardless of where you are assigned or what your duties are. Fulfill your educational and professional development requirements, but step outside the box as well to impact everything within your span of influence."

As for his goals as AFMC's command chief, he plans to build on successes AFMC men and women already have achieved, and to work closely with the other command chiefs to identify any shortfalls and needs.

One of his top priorities, though, is to focus on Airmen and their families. His duties to Airmen include making sure they "are well trained, equipped and prepared to support the in-garrison and deployed missions." He also aims to ensure Airmen know their work is meaningful, to "understand the importance of what AFMC does, that each of their roles contributes to the overall mission, knowing that they deliver game-changing capabilities to the warfighter."

As far as the families are concerned, the old adage "we enlist the Airman, but retain the family," could not be truer. Chief Jaren emphasized that we "can't be all-in if we are not all-in at home," and that taking care of the families is "paramount."

Chief Jaren is excited about his position and he believes his experiences serving in operation groups, maintenance groups, mission support groups and as a command chief have prepared him well for the challenge.

Enlisting in the Air Force at the age of 17 in 1982, it only took a couple of years before Chief Jaren realized he would make the Air Force a career, as he "immediately felt comfortable in the environment."

When asked about his life-long commitment to the Air Force, he didn't hesitate.

"Why would I ever want to get out," he said. "I am really enjoying myself and feel like I am contributing to something bigger than me."