Commentary: Another year -- Leadership in the challenges ahead

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Jason L. France
  • 75th Air Base Wing Command Chief Master Sergeant
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  A whirlwind of amazing accomplishments, historical changes and incredible challenges occurred in 2013 for our Air Force.

Last year at this time no one would have believed that sequestration, furloughs and a government shut down would become realities, but they all did. As we enter a new year we are faced with new challenges that will continue to test our leadership and the commitment of our Airmen, both uniformed and civilian.

The demands on Team Hill will continue despite the fact that the size of our Air Force will be reduced considerably in the years ahead. The warfighter still needs us, and it is imperative that we remain focused on providing the very best support to our Airmen who are in harm's way, defending our nation every single day.

As our eligible Airmen take advantage of voluntary force management programs and we move toward the implementation of involuntary force management programs to reduce the size of our force, we need bold leadership to help us through the challenges ahead.

We have conducted briefings and town hall meetings and provided information to assist commanders, supervisors and Airmen in making informed decisions but it will take much more than this.

As leaders we need to continue to be good Wingmen, to stay current on new information as it is released, to know our Airmen and their individual situations and to take care of them whether they continue to serve or are separating from the Air Force.

We also need to understand that honesty, transparency, face-to-face communication, providing timely and accurate information, giving realistic assessments of performance and candid feedback, understanding that every Airman's situation is unique, and having the courage to make the hard calls are the things that will allow us to be successful as we take the necessary measures to shape our force to meet future demands.

Are you the leader who will make honest assessments and retention recommendations for each of your Airmen or will you take the easy way out and let the board be the sole determinant of your Airmen's future?

It will be difficult. It will be uncomfortable. Most of these Airmen have done everything we have asked them to do and performed exceptionally well in doing so. You may have to look some of these Airmen in the eyes and tell them that you are not recommending them for retention.

These are Airmen that have families. Some of these Airmen will have difficulties finding employment right away. The challenges are far too many to list here, but the truth is that we simply cannot allow everyone to stay and it is our responsibility to retain only the very best Airmen.

We need leaders at all levels to be fully engaged and to provide our Airmen the best care possible during this challenging time. We owe it to them.

Leadership is what has carried us through the challenges in our past and it is what will carry us through the challenges we will face in the future. We are and will continue to be the greatest Air Force in the world.