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Command’s newest chiefs visit Barksdale

  • Published
  • By Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AFB, La. --  Sixteen newly-selected chief master sergeants from throughout Air Force Global Strike Command visited Barksdale Air Force Base recently to arm themselves with the knowledge to be effective senior enlisted leaders in their new command.

The new chiefs met with the AFGSC commander, with Air Staff and Air Force Global Strike Command leaders, and with current command chiefs.

"We need competent chiefs, who not only know how to perform their task, but can also skillfully articulate to their Airmen why that task is performed, and then, most importantly, link it to our strategic deterrence and global strike mission," said Chief Master Sgt. Jack Johnson, Jr., AFGSC command chief, who hosted the event.

Chief Johnson said he challenged the chiefs to consider the broader strategic environment and their role in it. He also stressed the need to help Airmen understand how they fit into the broader mission and prepare them to handle any challenge in today's dynamic global environment.

"We simply don't have the resources to waste one Airman's skill or talent, therefore the chiefs' presence is imperative to the success of our Air Force and Air Force Global Strike Command," he said.

One purpose of the orientation conference was to provide a greater understanding of the nuclear enterprise to the command's newest chiefs, enabling them to better communicate the command's mission, vision and values to Airmen throughout the command.

Topics covered during discussion focused on gaining a greater understanding of: tactical events and strategic outcomes; roles and expectations of a chief master sergeant as a senior enlisted leader in the command; how chiefs stay relevant to Airmen; and trends that impact Airmen, the command and the Air Force, Chief Johnson said.

The conference also allowed leadership here to present updates on key enlisted processes and programs. A forum for two-way discussion was also established to first understand each chief-select's readiness, and then provide the appropriate vectors to prepare them to lead AFGSC Airmen.

"The orientation was identified by the new chiefs as a success and also achieved its intended objectives," the chief said.