CMSAF visits Kunsan AB

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Alice Moore
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The chief master sergeant of the Air Force spoke with Kunsan Airmen about a variety of Air Force issues here March 24. 

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley discussed recapitalization, modernization and quality of life for Airmen and their families. He also shared his overall impression of the men and women of the 8th Fighter Wing. 

Prior to becoming the chief master sergeant of the Air Force, Chief McKinley was the Pacific Air Forces command chief and had already visited Kunsan AB several times. He said his lasting impression of the Wolf Pack remains the same. 

"I've always enjoyed visiting Kunsan Air Base because the warrior spirit and morale of Airmen here is tremendous. The Airmen and leadership here really seem to focus on taking care of each other," he said. "You all have a fantastic mission and are doing a job that's vitally important to our nation and the Republic of Korea." 

The Chief talked about force shaping challenges and emphasized why it's important for Airmen at all levels to look for better and smarter ways to accomplish the mission. 

"We've been on the road toward recapitalization and modernization because our aircraft average 24-and-a-half years of age. One aspect of funding recapitalization and modernization was a down-sizing for the force. "So as we down-size, we need to also find ways we can be more efficient. If we're doing processes we really no longer need to do anymore, we should find ways to stop doing them. These efficiencies will make us a better Air Force." 

Along with downsizing, Chief McKinley addressed concerns regarding uniform changes. He discussed the new Airman Battle Uniform and the up-coming virtual uniform board. 

"It's 2008 and the ABU isn't required to be worn until 2011. I think across the Air Force, Airmen can't wait to get the ABU. That's great news," he said. "Airmen want to be able to take it out of the dryer and put it on and not have to send it to the cleaners. This can cost about eight bucks for full dry-cleaning service. When the ABU can be taken out of the dryer and put it on, that gives time and money back to our Airmen," he said. 

Chief McKinley also said that in May the Air Force will conduct the first virtual uniform board. 

"We haven't had a uniform board since August 2005. However, right now every Airman can go to the virtual uniform Web site and provide input on what uniform changes they think the Air Force should make," he said. "We'll compile all that data and then hold our uniform board to determine the right improvements." 

The Chief also took the time to address quality of life concerns during his visit. He said senior leadership remains committed to taking care of Airmen and their families. 

"We all believe quality of life is important. We have committed a lot of money over the years to make sure we provide the highest quality of life for our Airmen and their families possible," he said. 

Chief McKinley spoke about the importance of supervisors. 

"A supervisor can help improve their Airmen's quality of life by patting their Airmen on the back and saying 'thank you' for a job well done. Quality of life is more than just dollars. Caring is free, so I advise all supervisors to get out there and show our Airmen that you care about them," he said. "Find out about their family and how they're doing. See how they're doing with their educational pursuits and recognize them when they're doing a great job. When they're not doing a great job, pull them aside tell them what they're doing wrong and get them pointed in the right direction. I think all of that leads to helping our Airmen out and letting them know we truly care about them." 

Chief McKinley is the Air Force's top enlisted leader. He serves as the personal adviser to the Secretary of the Air Force and the Chief of Staff on all issues regarding the welfare, readiness, morale and proper utilization and progress of the enlisted force.