Air Force personnel chief addresses lawmakers

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski
  • Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (AFPN) --  The Air Force deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel and services answered questions from members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committee subcommittees on personnel Feb. 27 and 28.

Lt. Gen. Richard Y. Newton III joined sister service representatives, as well as Dr. David Chu, the under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness, in answering lawmakers questions on a variety of topics. This was the first time General Newton provided testimony since becoming the Air Force personnel chief, known as the A1, in January.

"Our priorities are clear:  winning today's fight, developing and caring for our Airmen and their families and preparing for tomorrow's challenges," General Newton said. "It's my goal as the A1 to be in touch with the realities that Airmen face today."

General Newton underscored the Air Force's role over the past 17 years of consistent deployments to the Middle East,  "since the first F-15 (Eagle) touched down in Saudi Arabia in August 1990," and the toll such consistent warfighting has had on Airmen, their families and equipment. Because of "increasing operations, maintenance and personnel costs," the Air Force has had to escalate efforts to "modernize our aging air and space force."

The goal is to maintain and operate 86 modern combat wings across the globe, something that is becoming more and more challenging with aircraft that average 25 years old, the general said, so recapitalizing is essential if we're to maintain air superiority.

General Newton also spoke about Air Force recruiting goals. Several service representatives pointed out to committee members that only three in ten Americans ages 18-24 meet recruiting standards.

"As we stay active in our joint roles today, as well as ready ourselves for future conflicts, we are transforming the force to ensure we are the right size and shape to meet emerging global threats with joint- and battle-trained Airmen," General Newton said. "In order to dominate the domains of air, space and cyberspace, we must recruit, develop and organize America's diverse and brightest talent for the future."

In addition to recruiting new Airmen, retention among those already serving is sometimes an issue, especially among health care professionals. The Air Force continues, however, to "develop both accession and retention incentives to ensure the right mix of health professionals," General Newton said.

Further, General Newton laid out his five-point plan for taking care of Airmen:
- Manage end strength efficiently to maximize capability
- Recruit and retain the highest quality Airmen
- Maximize continuum of learning throughout Airmen life cycle
- Continue focus on quality-of-life programs for Airmen and their families
- Maximize efficiencies through evolving smart business solutions

While addressing suicide prevention programs, the Air Force earned kudos from Senators who lauded the service's efforts to help Airmen in need.

"We've made great strides in removing the stigma that seeking help from our mental health professionals will negatively affect an Airman's career, whether they're active duty, Guard or Reserve," General Newton said. "After they return from deployments, we make sure every Airman gets the opportunity to talk with someone. Our success comes from the way we convey to our people how we care about them as a service."

But that doesn't just apply while at home station, the general added. "It absolutely works in our expeditionary model of caring for our Airmen while they're defending our nation abroad, as well as their families while their loved one is deployed."

General Newton explained to the Senators and Congressmen that the Air Force is often the "first to the fight and the last to leave." With the service's missions in air, space and cyberspace, the Air Force "gives unique options to all joint force commanders."

"Our aim is to improve capability while maintaining the greatest combat-ready force in the world," General Newton said. "Today's Airmen are doing amazing things to execute the Air Force mission, meet Air Force commitments and keep the Air Force on a vector for success against potential future threats in an uncertain world." 

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