Air Force Voices

Turmoil at the Top

Nicole Gaudiano of the Air Force Times picks up on a theme reported here last Friday.  (HT: Aim Points)

In addition to several key civilian posts becoming vacant at the end of the month, there is also a leadership vacuum in many 3- and 4-Star billets across the Air Force.

"Of the three four-star generals heading Air Force major commands who have recently announced their retirements, none has a replacement confirmed by the Senate. Gen. Donald G. Cook, leader of the Air Education and Training Command, and Gen. John W. Handy, who leads the Air Mobility and U.S. Transportation Commands, are scheduled to retire in August and October, respectively. Gen. Hal Hornburg left the ACC in November and retired in January...

...Along with the higher-ranking officers, 35 colonels had their nominations returned last session...

...Frustration is one of several effects on the Air Force, according to [Former Air Force Secretary] Peters, who said he has spoken with lieutenant colonels, general officers and retirees about morale. There is also discouragement, and the sense that 'the Air Force is really being punished in a way that’s not understandable.'"

All I can say is this is interesting to watch as a mid-career officer.  Already there is speculation about the politics involved (most of these generals earned their stars in the 90s)...we all wonder what is going to happen next.  The Army and Navy will probably be next.  Either way, the long-term effects are still unclear.

More to follow...I am sure! 

Space Badge...

Lots of friends here for the Space Weapons Officer Conference.  We were discussing the new Space Badge...

Heh......heh heh....heh heh heh heh...heh heh heh heh heh heh heh!!!!

Seriously, (no wait, heh heh)....it was nice seeing you all.  Hope you had a great conference.

Congratulations SMSgts Selects!

Aim Points has the following announcement:

"Air Force officials selected 1,535 master sergeants for promotion to senior master sergeant."

Promotion is a special time for a deserved few.  Selection for SMSgt represents the top 2% of the enlisted force...it is a well-deserved honor and I congratulate those who made the list. 

More importantly, congratulations to all the families who share in this honor.  Your sacrifices are what make this possible...Thanks for all you do!

Military Awards and Decorations

Major Mike (retired Marine Officer) has a good point about military awards and decorations.  The post has lots to say.  However, my favorite line is:

"So, my call,…to the military…make sure you’re giving out combat awards as they are earned. Skip the rank tests. Skip the quotas. Lighten up on the Bronze Stars and Silver Stars to staff officers. And, get the awards ceremonies honoring our troops into the papers, onto the web, and onto the nightly news."

Sometimes I don't understand the awards and policy...there is some "quiet debate" about this issue.   What do you think?

Saw this coming...

Who didn't see this coming?  Check out the message in today's Aim Points. 

"Some key Air Force deployment requirements in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility are being extended to 365 days to support the combatant commander, to provide increased stability and continuity within the theater and allow for long-term relationship building with host governments.  These deployments are neither a change to the AEF, nor are they new positions, but will be converted from current 120-day AEF requirements.

Air Force members filling these positions will be in extended TDY status, with the tour lasting approximately 365 days.  The Air Force will seek volunteers first, to include members presently occupying the deployment position.  If there are not enough volunteers, AFPC will use established short-tour selection criteria to source fills."