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Throughout the years, the Air Force has focused on meeting standards. Each Air Force instruction, manual, and guide are references that articulate what these standards look like in an array of topics, jobs, and processes. These tools are provided so that each Airman, no matter their role or responsibility, knows how to operate within the Air Force’s intent.
With recent emphasis throughout the Air Force turning to innovation and global optimization, the need to reiterate the importance of establishing and meeting standards to ensure mission readiness is crucial.
In an effort to engage with Airmen and create a forum for a broader conversation about the meaning of standards in today’s Air Force, Chief Master Sgt. Jeremiah Ross, 7th Air Force command chief, visited Kunsan Air Base on July 10-11, 2024.
During his two-day visit, Chief Ross held two enlisted all-calls to discuss numerous points of emphasis in maintaining the readiness and agility of the U.S. air component in Korea. However, unlike many all-calls that he’s held before, this time, he decided to take a different approach.
Instead of speaking for an hour about what he was working on at a strategic level, Ross decided to invest more time listening to the issues directly affecting Airmen. During this time, he acted more as a moderator for comprehensive discussions aimed at empowering our frontline supervisors.
He approached the visit with three goals in mind. One of his goals was to clarify the purpose of standards; the second was to clear misconceptions about the meaning of this renewed emphasis on standards in recent communal conversation; and the third was to inform Wolf Pack members on the role standards play in creating an agile and optimized force.
Chief Ross quickly realized most of the common topics of discussion by Wolf Pack members including quality of life projects, future funding, and front-line supervisor issues, each came back to the same core theme; the enforcement of standards enables the mission and inherently solves most problems that deter success.
“Standards are not just dress and appearance,” Ross said. “They sit at the very core of our team concept and should be considered the baseline of the way we operate. They sit at the core of our Core Values and Profession of Arms.”
Chief Master Sgt. Nathan Chrestensen, 8th Fighter Wing command chief, who was also in attendance at several events answered questions, echoing the sentiments of Chief Ross.
“When someone brings up standards, the first thing most people think of is uniforms, but it is way more than that,” said Chrestensen. “Standards are the foundation for promoting a culture of professionalism, good order and discipline, and commitment to the mission of the U.S. Air Force. They provide a baseline on the proper way to act, behave, and carry oneself. There is a correct way (standard) to fly and fix jets, fuel aircraft, maintain vehicles, respond to emergencies, conduct medical procedures, etc. just like there is a correct way to wear the uniform.”
Enlisted leaders throughout the Wolf Pack and beyond are aiming to shift the mentality of the force when it comes to maintaining and enforcing standards.
“We have got to change our mindset on standards (all standards, not just uniforms) and get back to a team culture where we are holding each other accountable for our actions,” Chrestensen said. “Lapses in standards have a direct impact on the Wolf Pack’s readiness and ability to Fight Tonight. Safety mishaps, both on and off-duty, take Airmen out of the fight. Missing even a few Airmen for any amount of time due to standards failures significantly detracts from our mission objectives and our ability to project airpower.”
Chief Ross took the opportunity to recognize several superior performers from the Wolf Pack for their commitment to upholding the standards in their areas of influence. He also held comprehensive conversations with base leaders on how to support the quality-of-life initiatives currently happening at Kunsan.
“We owe it to our Airmen to do our part as leaders to meet the standards that they expect from us," Ross said. “We must also recognize those who are pushing us in the right direction. They act as an example for the wing and highlight that with accountability comes progress.”
| Date Taken: | 07.10.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 07.14.2024 20:14 |
| Story ID: | 476021 |
| Location: | KR |
| Web Views: | 15 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 7 AF Command Chief visits Wolf Pack; emphasizes standards, by MSgt Michael Charles, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
