AETC Command Chief visits Tyndall

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Anthony J. Hyatt
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Chief Master Sgt. Mark R. Luzader, Air Education and Training Command Command Chief Master Sergeant, visited Tyndall Air Force Base Jan. 28-29.

Chief Luzader is the senior enlisted leader responsible to Gen. William Looney III, AETC commander, for the professional development, military readiness and mission effectiveness of the command's enlisted Airmen.

In addition to learning the mission of the 325th FW and its squadrons, the purpose of the command chief's visit was to communicate Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley's and Gen Looney's Air Force and command priorities.

"The chief of staff's three priorities are winning the Global War on Terrorism, developing our Airmen and recapitalization," Chief Luzader said.

"In AETC we train today's Airmen for tomorrow's fight. Soon, Airmen will receive more vigorous combat training," the chief said. "Starting this year, Air Force basic training expands from six and a half weeks to eight and a half weeks."

Recapitalization refers to the need for the Air Force to reduce the average age of its fleet of aircraft and spacecraft.

The command chief highlighted the importance of Airmen in today's force.

"Approximately 73 percent of America's 18-24 year olds are not qualified to join the service - for medical, physical or moral reasons," Chief Luzader said. "Those of you who serve today represent an elite group of volunteers: the best and brightest this nation has to offer."

The command's top enlisted member stressed the importance of knowledge enabled Airmen, encouraging all Airmen to take advantage of the Community College of the Air Force and the Associate to Baccalaureate Cooperative.

Chief Luzader shared some thoughts on promotion as he visited the Airman Leadership School. Having been promoted to the rank of chief master sergeant in 1992, after only 14 years of service, it's a subject he knows much about.

"Keep in mind that all chief master sergeants in the Air Force began as airmen basics. So the best job you will ever have for promotion is the one you are currently doing." he said. "The toughest leadership position in the Air Force is leading as a new staff sergeant; you're a peer one day and the next you are a non-commissioned officer."

Despite his busy schedule, the chief made time to personally meet the Airmen that make Tyndall function. Airmen from many squadrons here had the chance to describe their jobs and how they contribute to Tyndall's mission to the chief.

"I was very impressed with everyone at Tyndall. Everyone I met was motivated and focused on the mission." Chief Luzader said. "But it was each Airman's professionalism that stood out the most."

"The AETC command chief's visit was great. He was very personable and answered our questions about the future of the Air Force and our young Airmen," said Staff Sgt. Shera Walden, 325th Operations Support Squadron. "I enjoyed talking to him and showing him around our shop."

"We were pleased to showcase to our MAJCOM's senior enlisted leader our dedication and what Tyndall is all about," said Chief Master Sgt. Benjamin Van Vleet, 325th FW command chief.