CMSAF addresses Academy cadets

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U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AFPN) --  Academy cadets had an opportunity to receive insight from the Air Force's top enlisted member April 10.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney McKinley visited the Academy to address cadets from the classes of 2008 and 2009 in Arnold Hall at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo.

Be a sponge and soak up all the knowledge you possibly can, he told junior and senior cadets here, while praising the Academy for educating and training top-notch future officers.

"I think when young second lieutenants enter into our operational Air Force, there is a tremendous amount to learn," the chief said. "They need to utilize the best skill that sometimes is the most often unused, listening. They need to listen and learn from officers that have come before them and also latch on to a senior NCO that's going to be there to help them out, mentor and guide them and share their years of experience with them."

He stressed his position serves every Air Force Airman, officer or enlisted.
"We have fantastic citizens that we select to attend our Air Force Academy and to become our future Air Force leaders," Chief McKinley said. "They will be leading Airmen for many years to come; both officer and enlisted. I think it's very important that I come here as the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, since I am their Chief as well. Also, I believe it's important to talk with them and give my perspective on leadership in dealing with all Airmen. Just providing that perspective and being able to answer any questions they may have, based on my experience in leading Airmen, could help them from the very beginning to be more successful as they graduate and enter our operational Air Force."

He also emphasized that a new second lieutenant shouldn't take themselves for granted.

"You may be a second lieutenant, but you are a valuable member of the team and you bring a lot to the table. Be ready to provide inputs on how to improve our Air Force. Our youngest Airmen, whether they are a one-striper or a second lieutenant, brings value and can improve our Air Force."

Chief McKinley began the session by reciting the Airman's Creed with the cadets.
"Just don't learn it and murmur the words," he told cadets. "Learn it to understand it."

Chief McKinley focused heavily on Air Force priorities during his remarks.

"This is a long war," he said of the Air Force's first priority -- winning the global war on terror, which he stressed, is truly global.

"It's all over the world. The terrorists' goal is to change our way of life. We are in this war against any terrorist who plans to do harm to America or our allies."

Chief McKinley urged the cadets to realize the value of every position in the Air Force.

"Your job here is equally as important as that of those deployed," he said. "You have to do it right. Take pride in your job."

He encouraged cadets to keep career goals in mind, but to do one job at a time with a commitment to excellence and sense of pride.

"You first need to be the best second lieutenant you can possibly be, and then be the best first lieutenant," he said. "Don't get ahead of yourself."

On the second Air Force priority, taking care of Airmen and their families, Chief McKinley said budget constraints may limit other areas of the Air Force, but caring about Airmen is free.

Caring for Airmen could easily begin with getting to know more about them--their goals, family members, leisure activities and birthdays and anniversaries.

"Inspire people by going out there and show you care. Little things can mean a whole lot," he said.

On the Air Force's third priority, recapitalization and modernization of Air Force assets, Chief McKinley said the practice of flying decades-old aircraft needs to change. The need for new tankers, search and rescue helicopters and space assets is absolutely imperative.

Chief McKinley reminded cadets that many of today's Air Force senior leaders are Academy graduates.

"Every class produces great leaders. In here, right now, are sitting some of those future, great leaders," he said.

The chief added that he is very pleased with the quality of Airmen coming into today's Air Force from all sources.

"The quality of Airmen we have in our Air Force is the best ever," he said. "Whether it is enlisted graduating from basic training, or officers graduating from the Air Force Academy, OTS or ROTC. The young Airmen we have coming into the Air Force today, no matter where they come from, are the future; and the future of our Air Force is absolutely bright."

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