Command chiefs address Airmen’s concerns

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WASHINGTON (AFPN) --  The chief master sergeant of the Air Force joined command chief master sergeants from Air Force major commands during a forum at the Air Force Association’s 2005 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 12.

"This is truly a historic time in which we serve in the Air Force," said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray. "Sixty-four percent of our force today is engaged 24/7 in projecting operations to sustain the military and national defense force."

The forum provided a platform for one of the most important aspects of a senior enlisted leader’s job -- communication with Airmen, Chief Murray said.

One topic concerned the possible future of physical fitness being tied to performance reports and promotions as a discriminating factor.

Although senior Air Force leaders are reviewing the issue, and there are proposals to document fitness levels on performance reports, nothing has been finalized, Chief Murray said.

The Air Force places an emphasis on the health, welfare and fitness levels that will be a factor for the future of the Air Force.

"(Fitness) is a readiness issue for us, and we're not going to back away from that," Chief Murray said. "It is my great concern about Airmen we place in situations in Iraq and Afghanistan and other places … about how fit they are to be there -- physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally."

Another training-related question revealed concerns about the role of Airmen in the war on terrorism. As more and more Airmen see combat up close and personal, Air Force officials are finding ways to prepare them for it.

Chief Master Sgt. David Popp, from Air Combat Command, said the command has an air expeditionary combat Airman's course at every base that teaches basic life-saving skills needed in a combat environment.

The Air Force goes through a validation process for requirements that a forward-deployed commander sees as needed to fulfill the mission.

By using this validation process, "we will only send the number of people that a commander needs, and then ensure those people are properly trained for the job in which they are needed," Chief Popp said.

"We are in a constant state of training for all Airmen," Chief Murray said. "It is also important to recognize how well we have taken lessons learned and used those lessons learned to update our training needs."

A question was also raised about proper wear of the uniform and rules for the wear of the fitness uniform.

"In October we will have a uniform board to address these and many other issues," Chief Murray said. "We have a lot of uniform issues right now … we're working to field a new utility uniform, and we're working to get you an updated (Air Force Instruction 36-2903)."