News

AFRC Command Chief visits McChord Citizen Airmen

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Minnette Mason
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. --  Chief Master Sgt. Cameron Kirksey, the Air Force Reserve Command command chief, visited Airmen from 446th Airlift Wing during the Reserve unit's training weekend Aug. 1-2.

In addition to greeting the Airmen at their workspaces, the chief spoke to the wing's enlisted Reservists at an all-call event, where he also addressed their questions and concerns.

The chief, who enlisted into the Air Force Reserve in 1988, gave some insight on a few Reserve-focused topics:

Q: You've served over 27 years in the enlisted force, and you started your career as a fuels specialist. You have a bachelor's degree in finance, plus another 14 professional development courses under your belt. What is the most important thing you'd pass on when you look back on your career?

A: "Take advantage of current opportunities. You certainly want to excel, despite the levels where you are because that's going be the building block for [your] future. I try to challenge all the young kids--and I can say 'kids' now--because they always want to know what that key ingredient is. And see, you have to build a portfolio because that is what's going to speak for you. Be the best that you can be. Every AFSC has that brass ring; and if you strive--continually strive--to reach that nugget, you'll be successful."

Q: You have opportunities to travel to different bases, and you've seen first-hand many programs and opportunities available in the Reserve. What do you feel are some top priorities for Air Force Reserve Command?

A: "It's all about the quality of life. I am responsible for the people who make this engine run. So, as we talk about the quality of life, what's the enhancement from a part-time perspective because this is all about an all-volunteer force? What am I doing? What can I do? What's in my job drawer that I can control that really touches on why members are here, why are they staying and how can I keep them coming back year after year, month after month? 

Q: Like most of our senior enlisted leadership, I am sure you've witnessed how much the Air Force Reserve mission has evolved. What would you say to Airmen about the next 10 years?

A: "I would say, 'Stay plugged in.' Be familiar and in-tune with the state of affairs. We talk about the nation. We talk about the military and the roles and responsibility of not only the Air Force Reserve Command but DOD in general. We've never had a war that we fought with just the Air Force, or just the Army. It's an 'all-in' concept, and as a blue-suiter we certainly have to understand what our roles and our responsibilities are."

Q: And that bridges us to another question, as the 446th AW currently has Airmen deployed. What is the best advice you can give to an Airman who is getting ready to deploy?

A: "We train like we fight. From the military side of the house, we are the world's greatest Air Force because of that. What does this mean to our civilian employers and to our family members? We have to do just as good of a job explaining and articulating what our jobs are as it relates to deployments. The Yellow Ribbon Program is one the best programs that I know of that provides opportunity to see first-hand the benefits that are offered to our deployers and their families, and in some cases, their civilian employers. When we embark upon this opportunity, it quiets the anxieties as it relates to deployments. It gives them a sense of confidence that they can go through, and they can see the light at the end of the tunnel. It prepares them mentally that this is something that we've done before. Now, we're just capitalizing on lessons learned, so to speak, to ensure that we're providing the necessities for the family member who's left home. It also means, having that confidence that 'you know I have the skill set, I have the tools, I have the support system that will support me and that family during this deployment.'"

Q: This is more of a general question. What do you think frustrates Airmen the most and what do you think are the solutions?

A: "Let's talk from a feedback perspective. I think if you poll 10 Airmen, you would get: the lack of communication of not knowing. Personally, I try to be transparent. If you understand why you're doing it, it's easier to associate or align yourself with. I know we have a sincere opportunity to improve upon our communication piece, as well as the way we articulate messages. Rather than say, 'Just go do it,' it's a little bit easier to swallow with the understanding of where we're trying to go. I need your support in doing this, and oh by the way, this will probably mean X, Y and Z.' We all want to be engaged. We all do this voluntarily, and we'd probably do it for free. At the end of the day, it takes into consideration the value of the individual whom we're bringing to the fight."

Q: You've come a long way to come and visit us, here in the Pacific Northwest. And we appreciate you taking time to talk us, the Airmen of the 446th. Is there anything you would like to add?

A: "Despite all of these things that can appear to be doom and gloom, keep a positive attitude. Your attitude is going to control your altitude. As a fighting force, we've always been resilient. And if I can offer anything, you certainly have to stay connected. [The Air Force Reserve Command has] 56, 847 men and women enlisted--third largest enlisted [Air Force major command], yet we're 80 percent part-time. That, within itself, certainly brings a set of unique challenges that forces us to be sustainable to continue to be who we are. We have to take measures on being positive and staying connected. At the end of the day, we know that this is not going to be a fly-by-night exercise; this is a marathon. [Secretary Deborah James, Secretary of the Air Force] and [Gen. Mark Welsh III, Chief of Staff of the Air Force] have stated numerous times: 'We will put more capability in the Guard and Reserve.'"