Admiral Mullen cites culture of change during address Published Oct. 30, 2008 By Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Change is the cornerstone and is at the heart of every aspect of today's military, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told more than 800 Air War College students Oct. 28 at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. "I see it in technology. I see it in people. I see it in missions. I see it in the joint world, and I see it in the coalition world," Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said. "I see change spanning the full spectrum of what we're required to do right now." Speaking to a crowd of mostly senior Air Force officers, Admiral Mullen spoke about some changes occurring in their pilot ranks, citing new requirements and advancements in unmanned aircraft systems. The remotely controlled unmanned aircrafts gather imagery intelligence and even launch attacks on enemy forces, minimizing the risks pilots need to face. "When you look at the requirements, we have to fly unmanned vehicles," Admiral Mullen said. "That's hard stuff, because you want to fly a jet, but now, all of a sudden, your career path gets ventured into sitting behind a console." Though it may not be exactly the excitement pilots signed up for, the unmanned aircraft mission is as critical as any other during today's fights in Iraq and Afghanistan, the admiral said. Admiral Mullen added that in the foreseeable future, more and more pilots will be operating unmanned aircrafts. "You may not like that, but I'm telling you that's a vital mission, and we are going there," Admiral Mullen said. The focus on change in today's military is visible in its efforts in the Middle East, Admiral Mullen said. Improvised explosive devices once were almost too much for U.S. forces, he said, but vigilance and the ability to learn their enemy allowed U.S. troops to adapt. Today, a high percentage of roadside bombs are discovered before they even have the chance to detonate. "We have dramatically closed the gap in the IED war," he said. "In 2004, we were a far second in that war. We were months down the road to adjustment. But now we are adapting more quickly than [the enemy]." Admiral Mullen challenged the students to share their ideas and experiences during their year in school as they spend time away from today's heavy operational tempo. He assured them that changes, advancements and progress aren't stopping, and reminded them that the military will expect them, as leaders, to adapt whenever necessary to ensure national security. "We live in a time of enormous change, and it will continue to change," he said. "And you, by virtue of your seniority, are at the heart of that change." Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) View the comments/letters page