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AFMC chiefs discuss best ways to serve Airmen

  • Published
  • By John Scaggs
  • Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  Communication, serving Airmen, building relationships and developing Airmen were the themes emphasized by Air Force Materiel Command's top enlisted person during the AFMC Senior Leaders Conference here Dec. 5-7.

Chief Master Sergeant Jonathan Hake, AFMC's command chief master sergeant since September 2004, was among 12 chiefs assigned to AFMC units who attended the conference. This semiannual event fosters a cross flow of information on current and future issues facing AFMC and the Air Force through a variety of briefings and small group sessions.

By gathering at one location, the command's chiefs heard the strategic vision for AFMC first hand and directly engaged with commanders in attendance.

"Conferences such as these allow chiefs to build and bolster relationships with their counterparts across AFMC," said Chief Hake. "Our presence here reinforces that all chiefs are Air Force senior leaders and serve as a conduit providing feedback up and down the chain of command.

"The chiefs shared success stories as well as challenges they've faced," he continued. "Someone may already have encountered an issue and found a different, perhaps better, solution."

Regarding AFMC's enlisted work force of about 14,400, Chief Hake said that communication is crucial.

"AFMC is a big part of the Global War on Terrorism," Chief Hake said. "Chiefs, and enlisted leaders at every level, must help Airmen, civilians and all military personnel understand how they contribute. When we hear about the success of a weapon system, Airmen in this command should proudly draw a connection between their daily duties and that success."

As for his message on serving Airmen, Chief Hake said it centers on caring for the Airmen as well as their families.

"Enlisted leaders should know where their people live, work and play," he said. "We must also ensure Airmen have the necessary training and equipment to be successful.

In terms of building relationships, Chief Hake said it's important for command chiefs to network inside and outside AFMC.

"Everyone adds value to the Air Force's efforts to fly, fight and win for America" Chief Hake said. "I encourage command chiefs to know and understand the mission of all organizations, including associate units, on their bases."

Chief Hake stated that taking the command chiefs through sections of the Ogden Air Logistics Center here highlighted one facet of developing Airmen.

"Our command chiefs saw how dedicated professionals in the depot embraced change, which led to improved processes and warfighting capabilities," he said. "This shows that development happens at all levels.

"For example, the levels of professional military education and the pursuit of personal academic goals enhance development," the chief said. "It's the responsibility of every senior leader to encourage their people to seize assignment, promotion and development opportunities."

Of note in the promotion arena was Chief Hake's announcement at the conference that AFMC received 17 authorizations under the Stripes for Exceptional Performers, or STEP, program in fiscal 2007. This is down from the command's total of 24 in fiscal 2006 and tied to the Air Force's reduction from 422 in fiscal 2006 to 310 in fiscal 2007. Each fiscal year, a limited number of enlisted Air Force personnel with exceptional potential may be promoted to the grades of staff sergeant through master sergeant under the STEP program.

"Reductions are going to happen in numerous areas, from promotion rates, to personnel to the budget," Chief Hake said. "That is why it is important for all of us to broaden our knowledge of AFMC and the other major commands. Whether just promoted to chief master sergeant or having worked in AFMC for years, people must always strive to expand their horizons through learning."