Orientation gives new chiefs' insights on rewards, challenges ahead

Published Feb. 1, 2007
By Senior Master Sgt. Ty Foster
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AFB, Colo. -- Recently, 23 senior non-commissioned officers carrying a collective of 532 years of Air Force experience in 34 specialty codes gathered here for 2.5 days of learning what they didn't know.

They are Air Force Space Command's newest chief master sergeant selects. The new chiefs gathered for their Chief's Orientation, hosted by Command Chief Master Sgt. Mike Sullivan.

Chief Sullivan kicked off the two-day event with a message from Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rod McKinley who set the performance bar high.

"When people see you wearing chief's stripes, they won't know if you've been wearing them for one day or five years," the CMSAF said.

Wherever he goes on base here, Chief Master Sgt. Jeff Carpenter, AFSPC manager force applications testing, is reverently greeted as "Chief."

"When did that happen?" he asked. Despite having just sewn on his stripe Jan. 1, he marvels at the newfound respect he receives.

"People think we know more the day we put on chief than the day before," said Chief Steve Crocker, Space and Missile Systems Center command chief.

Achieving promotion to chief is not the pinnacle of the enlisted journey - it is another beginning - a reflection of achievement and potential, said retired Chief Ron Kriete, former AFSPC command chief.

There's a key to navigating that journey successfully, said Chief Cathi Durick, 14th Air Force command chief. Don't be "afraid to ask for help."

The new chiefs gathered at the orientation were each other's first step in building that helping network, Chief Sullivan said.

"Help each other get better," he said.

Credibility is a key focal point among chiefs, Chief Sullivan said.

"You not only represent yourself, but every Airman who wears stripes," he said. One misstated word or harsh action sends ripples throughout our enlisted corps - casting them in a negative light. He advised the new chiefs to be cognizant of that reality.

Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, AFSPC commander, told the new chiefs they'd be watched.

"People will make lifelong judgments based on your actions," he said. "Your actions and words carry more weight, so speak wisely, not with emotion. Your counsel is valued - don't lose that."

The general cautioned against being a functional stovepipe. "Think corporately," he said.

"You are an Air Force chief," said Chief Linda Matthews, AFSPC Security Forces functional manager. "You belong to the Airmen - not your function."

The chiefs' schedule was packed with information and mentoring.

A panel of retired former AFSPC command chiefs weighed in on current issues and future force challenges. Financial management experts offered insights into the pitfalls our force faces in managing their budgets. Command directorate experts gave tips on topics ranging from protocol and personnel to AFSO 21 and public affairs. A "Dine like a Diplomat" briefing prepared the group for their Heritage Dinner.

Mr. Brian Binn, president of the Lance Sijan chapter of the Air Force Association, encouraged participation in professional organizations - any professional organization - as a means to educate others on Airmen and the Air Force. The Air Force Sergeants Association sent Mr. Morgan Brown to share legislative updates with the group.

The assignments briefing, offered by Chief Steve Sullens, Chief of the Chief's Group, Air Force Senior Leader's Management Office, gave some candid guidance on how the new chiefs will be handled.

"The good news is that you'll be treated as a senior leader," he said. "The bad news is that you're treated as a senior leader. That means you'll go when and where the Air Force needs you."

Of all the speakers during the week, Fleet Master Chief William Nissen, U.S. Strategic Command command master chief, opened many eyes with his briefing on "The Long War."

He focused on current engagements and the increasing need for jointness.

"Our services don't prepare us to lead in the joint environment," he said. One of the first things he learned as the senior enlisted leader in USSTRATCOM is "you just don't know what you don't know."

He said joint professional military education is a step in the right direction, but it's not enough.

"Educate yourself every day or you are not a relevant leader in the DOD today," Fleet Nissen said.

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