CMSAF talks integrity, training, development

ATLANTA (AFNS) -- The chief master sergeant of the Air Force praised the enlisted force and highlighted several of his key priorities during a speech at the 2009 Air Force Sergeants Association Professional Airmen's Conference here.

"Everywhere I've traveled it's very apparent our Air Force places great trust in our enlisted Airmen," Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy said. "Whether they are leading a convoy in Afghanistan or providing weather analysis for our aircrews and joint teammates, our enlisted Airmen are performing with unmitigated brilliance."

Chief Roy has consistently praised the hundreds of Airmen he has met during his first six weeks as the Air Force's senior enlisted advisor.

"These encounters have been truly inspiring," he said. "They have also helped me shape my thoughts about things we need to work on."

The chief emphasized the importance of credibility as the foundation for the trust placed in the enlisted force. Compliance and acceptance of responsibility are "the basics of what we do," said Chief Roy. "We gain credibility by being good at what we do and compliance with standards is a derivative of one of our core values: Integrity First."

Relating compliance to real life, Chief Roy told the story of a junior enlisted Airman who maintained standards during an aircraft cargo offload operation, preventing serious injury, or worse, to his fellow Airmen. The 10-ton air conditioning unit they were delivering broke free, and although the aircraft was damaged, failure to follow the proper procedures could have led to more serious consequences.

"This lesson reminds us that regardless of rank we must all follow technical orders, instructions and other guidance," Chief Roy said. "Compliance with standards is something we do every time we wear our uniform correctly, report for duty on time or follow steps in a checklist."

As Airmen build on the basics of integrity they should earn opportunities to become leaders, said Chief Roy. And it is the responsibility of those already in leadership to make sure training and especially joint training tools are available.

The expanded roles of Airmen in joint efforts should also be reflected in professional development and pre-deployment preparation, said Chief Roy.

"The deliberate development of our enlisted Airmen is not just an exercise," Chief Roy said. "Today's deployments require different skill sets because the mission often involves working with our joint and coalition partners to win today's fight.

"Growing and developing our Airmen is crucial to winning today's fight. And part of that growth is through joint training, which is a necessity and helps us become better Airmen," Chief Roy continued.

As examples, the chief praised the joint training accomplished at Camp Bullis, Texas, and the Air Force Expeditionary Center at Ft. Dix, N.J. Both prepare Airmen -- both officer and enlisted -- for the full range of military operations from the flightline to the frontline.

The chief had special praise for those in the Air Force family left behind so frequently. Recognizing the effects of continued deployments on Airmen and their families he noted that the operations tempo has remained high for almost two decades, since Operation Desert Shield.

"Our Airmen and their families have been there ... warriors each and every one," said Chief Roy. "They continue to sacrifice on a daily basis."