Fifth CMSAF puts Air Force evolution into perspective

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Gloria Wilson
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska (AFPN) --  Evolution and progression have been Air Force standards since the service's creation almost 60 years ago. But a voice from the past reminded Airmen here that the fundamentals of Air Force success are the same now as then. 

Retired Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Robert Gaylor, the fifth chief master sergeant of the Air Force, spoke here Sept. 5 on changes in the Air Force since his retirement in 1979, his motivation for visiting Airmen around the world and what he feels Airmen should focus on concerning the war on terrorism. 

The chief said two of the main differences in today's Air Force can be explained simply as the "two Ts," training and technology. 

"The force of today is much better trained, starting with basic training, through technical school and professional military education," he said. "Then, there's technology. The Airmen of today should realize it hasn't been around long. Even in the '70s, we were basically a manual Air Force with typewriters and telephones. Now there are computers, BlackBerrys and e-mails." 

Airmen should realize technology is only going to continue to evolve, which is where the importance of training ties in, he said. 

"You could have the latest equipment available, state-of-the-art, yet have no one who knows how to maintain or operate it. How good would the equipment be?" he said.

"On the other hand, if you have an Airman who is highly trained and who knows how to operate the equipment, but the equipment is not available, how good would that Airman be? It takes the two combined," Chief Gaylor said. "Merging training with technology equals mission accomplishment." 

The 31-year Air Force veteran said it's sometimes easy to get carried away with the allure of the newest technology and forget about how important people are. That's where the chief said he strives to make a difference. People are his motivation and he travels to bases all over the world reminding Airmen of their worth. 

"It's what sustains me; it's my battery charge, and at the age of 76, it keeps me going," he said. "I believe I'm a small part of today's Air Force and that's important to me."
The chief added that by visiting bases and talking to today's Airmen, he can still be a part of the Air Force he loves. 

People will always be people and the fundamentals never change, he said. No matter what Airmen go through, staying focused is key. 

"If I was in the Air Force today, with the war on terrorism going on, I would focus on my profession, my physical fitness and my financial stability," he said. "I would try to zero in on those events and functions I actually have some control over. I'd want to learn everything I could about my job, increase effectiveness and learn leadership skills. I would try not to worry about things I could not do anything about." 

The chief said it's a matter of priorities and finding a balance between professional and personal life. If an Airman has a family, he should ensure his family is cared for and understands how important they are. 

"I feel my success was because I had a balance," he said. "My family was always extremely important to me, but when it was time to go, I went wherever I was sent."

Over his extensive travels, Chief Gaylor said he's frequently asked about the drive behind his success. He summed it up with an old motto: "You've got to earn your wings every day." 

"I don't know of any magic pill you can take to guarantee success, but I do know that every day you need to measure up and step up to the requirements." he said. "People ask me, 'How does someone make chief?' and I'm not sure I know. But, as I look back over my career, I did what I was trained to do, went where I was told to go and did what I was told to do. 

"There has to be a drive and a great passion for the Air Force, as well as a commitment to it as a way of life."