CMSAF Roy makes first visit to Reserve base -Top enlisted member stresses important role Reservists play

  • Published
  • By Tech Sgt. Scott Pryor
  • 911 AW/PA
PITTSBURGH IAP ARS --  The Air Force's top enlisted member, in his first trip to a Reserve base, stressed the important role Reservists play in accomplishing the Air Force's overall mission during a visit here March 6-7.
Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy is the 16th member to hold that position and the first to visit the 911th Airlift Wing.
"It is important that I visit Reserve and Guard units," said Chief Roy. "I represent all enlisted members, and the only way I can really know what they are faced with is to visit these locations. As much as I thought I knew, there's more I need to learn."
At an Enlisted Call, Chief Roy began by describing the current status of the Air Force.
"We are a nation at war," the chief said. "The mission we have to fulfill wouldn't happen if we didn't have the tactical airlift and agile combat support Pittsburgh provides. We have to focus on training our Airmen to meet that mission."
"I know there are training challenges you face here every day. For education, we are looking at how we do PME (Professional Military Education) and the Noncommissioned Officer and Senior NCO Academies. I want to make sure you have the most current training and education available."
The chief master sergeant of the Air Force also noted that there are unique problems Reservists face that separate them from their active duty counterparts.
"I think your position is very difficult," Chief Roy said. "You have three bosses: your employer, the Air Force and your family. There are many challenges and sacrifices your families face. Let your families know how much we appreciate them."
Taking care of families, especially during deployments, is an issue that's being looked at, the chief said. With this being the "Year of the Air Force Family," in-place family support programs are being studied to see if they are working.
One of the questions addressed during the Enlisted Call concerned changes being planned for the physical training program. The questioner was concerned that the Reserves and Guard will lose experienced people due to the new requirements.
"We may lose some experience, but we may lose you in combat, too," Chief Roy said. "We have to make sure we are fit. There has to be a mix between experience and being physically fit."
Chief Roy was the guest speaker for the 911th AW's Annual Awards' Banquet, held March 6. More than 350 wing members attended the banquet.
He said what he'll remember about his visit here is, "the professionalism and the devotion to the security of our nation that Pittsburgh's Airmen showed."
Chief Master Sgt. John Payne, 911th AW command chief, said, "This was a great opportunity for us to give the chief master sergeant of the Air Force a first-hand look at how we carry out our mission. I know he came away with a positive impression of the 911th's Airmen. It was an honor to be the first Reserve base to host Chief Roy."
The Monroe, Mich. native also toured the base and received a mission briefing. During his tour he spoke with Airmen in various duty sections and offered advice for how to succeed as a Reservist in today's Air Force.
"How can you be the best Airman you can be? Be the best Airman you can. Airmen have to be focused on the mission," he said. "You have to be prepared for missions as they come up - both traditional and nontraditional. We have to make sure you are equipped and trained."
He added that there has to be deliberate development where Airmen are trained, educated and have the experience to carry out the mission.
"Thank you for a great visit. The mission is not carried out by one individual service or one individual component. This is a team sport. Continue to be the best technicians in the world," the chief said.