The highlight of the three-day event came when Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright paid them a visit. He visits all of the major command chief’s orientation courses because he believes it’s important they hear directly from him what are his expectations of them as they enter their new role.
“You can’t be a leader if you’re on the fence. You’re either all in or you’re out,” Wright told the group as he explained the importance of committing to their Airmen.
He also stressed the value of connecting their Airmen to the local mission, as well as helping them understand their connection to the bigger Air Force mission.
Wright also gave the group some focus areas to work on. Know yourself, understand your strengths and weaknesses, and then work on your mind, your body and your soul, he said.
He then explained the importance of credibility: how to build it, how to keep and how quickly it can be lost.
Wright stressed the importance of teamwork at every level, including involving their spouses in their leadership efforts.
He finished his talk by quoting an old African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone … if you want to go far, go together.”
“The value of this experience is in giving the Air Force’s newest chiefs the opportunity to have open dialogue on emerging issues and to learn the importance of their role in directing and developing the future enlisted force,” said Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Richards, AFMC’s common support equipment lead command manager and organizer of the event.
“The new chiefs not only got to hear directly from the chief master sergeant of the Air Force, but they were also given valuable insights from 25 AFMC and Headquarters Air Force Agencies during their time here.” Richards said.
“This orientation course prepared our newest chiefs for their new leadership roles,” said Chief Master Sgt. Jason France, AFMC command chief. “Our team provided them, among many other things, greater insight on how servant leadership, taking care of yourself and taking care of Airmen and families takes on a whole new meaning as a chief.”
“Chief Wright’s involvement in this orientation course demonstrates the importance of strong leadership and mentoring of our enlisted leaders in AFMC and across the Air Force,” added France. “The course was a huge success.”
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