CSAF meets with Airmen during Bagram visit

Published Jan. 20, 2011
By Tech. Sgt. Michael Voss
455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (AFNS) -- Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz visited the Airmen of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing here Jan. 18 through 19 during a trip to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

The Air Force's 19th chief of staff also took time to present Purple Hearts to Capt. Gil Wyche and Senior Airman Brandon Cullen Towle, and to address more than 300 Airmen during an "all call" Jan. 19.

"This wing has done some heavy lifting for the Air Force, and you should be proud," General Schwartz said. "I am proud of each and every one of you.

"It doesn't matter if you are in force support, intelligence, operations, security forces, civil engineering or (explosive ordnance disposal), everybody counts and everybody contributes," General Schwartz said. "If everyone doesn't play their position, the whole team does not succeed."

The general said the Air Force faces some challenges in the near future, such as the continuing struggle to bring the service's personnel inventory to its congressionally-mandated end strength.

"We are still over our manning limits," the general said. "Over the last year or so, we have tried some voluntary and involuntary programs. None of these programs are fun or easy, but they are necessary."

Having too many Airmen means money is not available for other pressing requirements, including needed equipment, child care programs and flying hours, among other things, General Schwartz said.

The general said the Air Force brought enlisted manning down to required levels in 2010, but the officer corps numbers are still too high. He also explained how the service is looking to other ways of lowering operating costs, from flying more efficiently to changing how the Air Force develops new weapons systems.

"There is a place and time for great ambition," General Schwartz said. "Without ambition, we would not have developed the B-2 Spirit. But when the nation is facing a trillion-dollar deficit, I think we have to dial back the ambition a little bit."

For example, the new bomber the Air Force will develop as part of the long-range-strike family of systems will not be all new technology, the general said. Instead, the Air Force will take existing technology, engines and avionics, and integrate them to create an airplane that is very capable, while still affordable.

"We have to be more pragmatic with the resources given to the Air Force," he said. "We can't afford to always strive for the 100-percent solution. We may have to go with the best available solution."

General Schwartz also expressed concern about taking care of Airmen.

"The Air Force is experiencing more suicides than we have at any other point in our history," he said. "I appeal to each of you to look to the Airmen at the right and left of you. If they are under stress or in distress, offer assistance or encourage your wingman to seek help."

In addition, the general spoke about the contributions of the total force, recalling that in many areas, members of the Guard and Reserve represent more than 50 percent of Air Force capability.

Lastly, he discussed upcoming changes related to the repeal of the law commonly known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

"This is not about changing anyone's core beliefs," General Schwartz said. "This is about how we act and interact with each other. Our standards of conduct will not change."

After answering some questions from the audience, the general ended the "all call" by leaving the attendees with a single thought.

"It is important we do things the Air Force way," he said. "Our joint teammates on the ground have trust and confidence that the Air Force will do whatever is required to enable their success and protect them while they are in harm's way. Is there anything more noble? I am extremely proud of our Air Force."