HOUSTON, Texas -- Chief Master Sgt. Katie McCool, Pacific Air Forces command chief, highlighted the critical importance of readiness as a guest panelist for the Air Force Sergeant Association’s Readiness panel at the AFSA’s 2024 International Convention and Professional Development Symposium in Houston, Texas, Aug. 13.
The panel consisted of McCool, Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Green, Air Force Special Operations Command command chief, and Chief Master Sgt. Karmann-Monique Pogue, Space Training and Readiness Command senior enlisted leader.
“PACAF’s goal is maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific through deterrence. However, if deterrence fails we need to prevail in any conflicts we face. Allies and partners are critical to our success. We want our adversaries to wake up every morning and say “not today”. That’s deterrence and our allies and partners strengthen those efforts.” McCool said “we need to be “ready” for our adversaries every single day.”
The panel discussion, which focused on current challenges and strategies for maintaining force preparedness, provided airmen with insights into PACAF’s focus on readiness and the importance of being ready for any situation in the Pacific.
McCool addressed the unique challenges faced by PACAF Airmen, particularly given the vast geographic expanse of the Indo-Pacific and the growing military capabilities of potential adversaries. She emphasized PACAF is focused on enhancing its operational readiness through training and strengthened partnerships with allied forces.
“In the Indo-Pacific, we think about readiness as the ability to respond at the moment of need. Our focus right now is to make sure that our airmen have the resources and the training to be ready today, with the focus to continue to train and be even more ready as we step into future threats,” McCool said. “We are doing that by developing the strategic IQ of our SNCO’s who in turn should carry that down the chain of command. We are striving towards meeting standards in all areas of performance, and we are working on creating a culture where everyone takes responsibility for their own actions and behavior. Leaders can give you the tools for success but a culture of readiness starts with you.”
The AFSA panel provided airmen with a platform to engage directly with senior leaders, fostering a deeper understanding of the expectations and challenges associated with maintaining readiness in today’s Air Force.