AMC Command Chief imparts wisdom to Airmen

By Senior Airman Kris Levasseur
43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Chief Master Sgt. David Spector, Air Mobility Command Command Chief Master Sergeant visited the men and women of Pope Feb. 5 to discuss their role in today’s Air Force operations and take part in Pope’s Annual Awards Ceremony. During his visit, I had an opportunity very few young enlisted members get – I had the chance to sit down with the chief and ask him questions about AMC, its people, current operations and ask his advice for aspiring Airmen looking to go far in today’s Air Force. Here is what he had to say.

Q. What’s your impression of the work AMC and its Airmen have been doing to support Operation Unified Response?

The work that every Airman in AMC has been doing is impressive. We did not selectively man AMC with the cream-of-the-crop Airmen; that is to say, we didn’t pull the best Airmen from bases around the world. But when you look at the compilation of the people working in AMC and Pope, you see a group of professionals that are unmatched. It occurs all across AMC. I’m impressed with the professionalism and the positive attitudes I have seen from the Airmen I have talked to today. It is obvious that they get it and are ready.

Q. How do you see Pope’s role in overseas contingency operations and OUR as the BRAC changes continue here?

The leadership at Pope is going to have to balance these overseas contingency operations and real-world emergencies in the same professional manner that they always have. They are going to have to look at their capacity and support to that. Pope played a huge role and continues to play a huge role in the success we’ve had today in Operation Unified Response. I see Pope continuing to have a front seat in AMC operations throughout the BRAC process.

 

U.S. Air Force Photo by Mike Murchison

Chief Master Sgt. David Spector, Air Mobility Command Command Chief Master Sergeant speaks to the crowd during Pope’s Annual Award Ceremony Feb 5. Chief Spector was on of several guest speakers invited to attend the ceremony.

Q. How has AMC’s mission in the overseas contingency operations evolved since the beginning of the war?

As a command, we have continued to become more effective in how we support our sister services. Currently, we are very focused on ensuring that our fellow servicemembers are successful because of the work we do. Look at what we have done with aeromedical evacuations, for example. In 2009 alone, our med evac crews performed more than 19,000 patient movements. All of our patients have a 98 percent survival rate. Compare that to the survivability rate during Desert Storm, which was 75 percent. Back then, it took us 10 days to move wounded patients to the U.S. Now it takes us three days or less.

Q. Are there any new developments in the way the Air Force helps support the war on terror?

There are always new developments, such as emerging technologies that have been helping us accomplish our mission. But at the end of the day, it is all about the people. It doesn’t matter how high- tech. our weapons systems are; if we don’t take care of the human weapons system, it doesn’t matter – we wouldn’t be able to operate without the Airmen. There will always be new threats and new developments in how we accomplish the mission; but there will also be new opportunities for our Airmen to excel in the Air Force of the future.

Q. What advice would you give Airmen who plan to make the Air Force a career?

Our Air Force is led on total-package leaders. The officers and enlisted Airmen you see leading the Air Force today are what I consider total-package leaders. First and foremost, you need to be outstanding at your primary duty. In addition, you need to continue to educate yourself through college, technical school and professional military education. And lastly, Airmen need to continuously strive to improve their leadership skills. Airmen who intend to make the Air Force a career should understand that they are expected to be leaders. They need to continue to build upon the fundamentals that we are all taught in basic military training.

Q. If you could only give one piece of advice to today’s Airmen, what would it be?

If I could only give one piece of advice, it is to be ready. People define readiness in a bunch of different ways. But to be physically, emotionally, spiritually and mentally ready is what we need – it’s what we are asking our Airmen to do today. Readiness also involves being a great leader. Gone are the days where young Airmen, even our newest Airmen, are exempt from the expectation of being leaders. Everyone is taught in basic military training how to be a leader in today’s Air Force, and that is something every supervisor should not only expect from their Airmen but should also encourage and allow them the opportunity to lead the way. Our young Airmen are tomorrow’s future leaders.