AFMC command chief directs new chief master sergeants on bright future

  • Published
  • By Mary Lou Gorny
  • Hilltop Times editor
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  Chief Master Sgt. Eric Jaren, AFMC command chief, greeted the newest Hill AFB chief master sergeants at a ceremony Feb. 17 at The Landing.

He congratulated the new chief master sergeants and delivered remarks to encourage their continued success as leaders in an Air Force faced with exciting challenges and opportunities on the horizon.

Jaren remembered his first and only flight in an F-16 when then-colonel, now Brig. Gen. William Thornton, took him on a flight at Edwards Air Force Base where Chuck Yeager famously broke the sound barrier. Jaren had the opportunity to experience for himself the g-forces in a functional jet flight take-off -- or FCF, a functional check flight -- and see the earth from the canopy of an F-16.

The command chief pondered the experience and the excitement of breaking the sound barrier in that flight and then went on to pose challenges to the new master chiefs.

"In the history of our Air Force there has been a tremendous amount of change," he said. "Nanotechnology, micro-, bio-, Internet, it seems like the entire environment has changed.

"Chiefs, there are some things that have never changed," Jaren explained. "No matter what the environment you're in there are some timeless leadership principles."

He went on to explain that every organization has strengths and weaknesses and that it was important to understand those as they worked with their new mission partners in new assignments as they balance manpower, money and resources; that they also create an environment open to creativity and innovation without fear of reprisals.

Jaren's remarks on integrity, relationships and perspective made it clear the command chief believed these characteristics were critical to a successful future.

Integrity is important. Not just that the word of a chief is his bond but that the integrity of the process, become integral as the chiefs assumed their roles and brought in new players to that process. Jaren pointed out that teamwork was important, that everyone needed to have a seat at the table as teams are brought together. He quoted Gen. (Ret.) Charles Horner who led the Combined Forces in Desert Storm. "He didn't care if the country had three aircraft in the fight or 300 aircraft in the fight, they all had a seat at the table," Jaren said as he quoted the general.

Jaren recited his favorite Horner quote: "The truth lies not in rank but in the merit of argument."

The command chief then went on to discuss relationships. In professional military education you are often charged to develop your networks, he reminded the group.

"In my opinion," Jaren said, "that's everything. You have to build relationships, you need to foster relationships.

"They take hard work, they don't just happen. You have to make a deliberate effort to go out there and foster those relationships above your pay span, and within your sphere of influence," he added.

"A wide field of influence can overcome barriers through those relationships," Jaren said as he encouraged the chiefs.

"It's just what you need to be successful. You have to have the face-to-face time."

The command chief also encouraged the new chiefs to not waste a second on what used to be or how the Air Force operated in the past and instead focus on what is available now.

He said that perspective would help in leading Airmen into tomorrow -- in this better Air Force as it gets leaner, more efficient and more agile.

The chief described a quote he heard from Retired Vice Admiral Berry Costello, former commander of the Third Fleet who said the opportunity of a lifetime must be taken in the lifetime of the opportunity.

"This is your opportunity," Jaren said. "I wish you the fondest of luck and the best in the future."