Jumper urges Airmen to 'stay encouraged'

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Elaine Aviles
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey (AFPN) --  The war on terrorism, force shaping and the new fitness program are all major priorities in today's Air Force, said the service's senior leader during a visit here April 5.

With the recent gruesome murders of four U.S. contractors and the almost daily loss of American servicemembers’ lives, the Air Force chief of staff's speech focused on ensuring Airmen stay encouraged throughout the fight.

"There are a lot of uncertainties with what's going on in Iraq," Gen. John P. Jumper said. "It's not very encouraging; but terrorists are people we have nothing in common with. They killed 3,000 people during the Sept. 11 attacks but would have killed 3 million without remorse if they could have. We have to stay resolute."

Although every Airman is needed for the fight, General Jumper said streamlining the existing force through the force-shaping program still remains a priority for Air Force leaders.

"During the 90s, we reduced our force by about 40 percent, but we didn't take the slots away," he said. "People were moved from critical skills to fill those slots, and we need them back. We're 16,000 people over our end strength.

"We don't want to kick out people who want to stay in," General Jumper said. "We'll continue our efforts to offer a way out for those who are ready to go and also rely on attrition."

For those who remain, the fitness program remains a concern.

"A lot of people are concerned about the waist measurement," he said. "I'm not worried about anyone maxing out the test; all I care about is if you pass and pass as a unit."

General Jumper said too many people are kicked out of the Air Force each year because of fitness issues.

"Did they have help?" he asked. "I'm not convinced they did. We have to help each other out so everyone passes the fitness test."

To ensure that, squadron commanders' officer performance reports will have an area to reflect how well their squadron did on the fitness test.

"The mark of a good leader is how well the people under him or her perform," he said.

General Jumper said it appears the leaders here are doing a great job.

"Incirlik remains a strategic location that is vital to Air Force operations," he said.

"I don't have to tell you what a great job you're doing," he said. "I think it's evident, especially with the important work you're doing to help U.S. Soldiers transit home."

This work does not go unnoticed by the American public, the general said.

"People look to the uniform as a symbol of power and strength," he said. "I guarantee if you walk down the street in your uniform, people will come up to you and thank you for what you do."

This pride should carry over to every Airman, General Jumper said.

"I recently visited an Airman in the hospital who was wounded by a landmine in Iraq. He lost his leg," he said. "But, when I walked into that hospital room, the first thing he said was, 'Don't let them kick me out.' He realized he was part of something bigger than himself. So are you. When you look in the mirror, be proud of what you see."