CMSAF speaks to Airmen at Minot AFB

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AFNS) --  Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody heard directly from the enlisted force about issues important to them during two Airmen's calls here July 12.

In discussing his vision for the Air Force, the chief said with the tough fiscal road ahead, the force is on the cusp of some dramatic changes to its structure and size.

"Our nation has spoken," Cody said regarding the financial resources allocated to the military by Congress earlier this year. "We are going to be a smaller Air Force."

Changing the way the force conducts its operations is inevitable in this climate, he said.

Early retirements, a robust change in program structures and Palace Chase were on the long list of options Air Force leaders are using to reduce the impact of sequestration on the mission.

However, he stated his first priority was to retain quality Airmen.

"I owe it to support any Airman who has given their best to uphold our standards," Cody said.

As the force grows slimmer, Cody said, everyone must pitch in, do their part and do what they signed up for: serve their country.

"It's all about service," Cody said. "With service is going to come sacrifice and when our nation calls upon us, we are going to have to make those sacrifices."

Cody said Airmen will have to make do with the resources available and be innovative stewards with available dollars. When the time comes for Airmen to fill roles or execute duties asked of them, they must be up to the task.

With whatever capabilities the Air Force maintains, however, he noted it would continue to be the best in the world.

Another topic the chief raised at his briefing was the issue of sexual assault.

He asked for a commitment to help with this problem and said it all begins with the trust and respect that Airmen should have for one another. To any of those who perpetuate the problem, he said the Air Force would hold them accountable.

"All Airmen should be outraged that this happens in our Air Force," said Cody. "It should not define our military."