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AMC Phoenix Rally focused on 'getting back to basics'

  • Published
  • By Mark D. Diamond
  • Headquarters AMC Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  About 80 air mobility leaders gathered here Oct. 22-24 for Air Mobility Command's Phoenix Rally -- a three-day, focused look at the command's priorities, roles and missions. The theme for this year's Phoenix Rally was "Back to Basics: Executing Global Reach Fundamentals."

In an opening statement, AMC Commander Gen. Arthur Lichte told his wing commanders, command chiefs and headquarters directors the command needs to focus on the basics of AMC's mission.

"This Phoenix Rally is really about one thing: to remind you, AMC's leaders, that we need to focus on getting the job done," General Lichte said. "The Air Force has had some setbacks this past year, and the way to move forward positively is to get back to basics."

He said it's also important to remember the mission success mobility forces bring every day. The Air Force has been heavily involved in combat, crisis and contingencies around the globe for the past 18 years and AMC is at the center of the fight.

The general encouraged all mobility Airmen to resist compromising unit and field discipline, amid increased operations tempo.

"Airmen cannot take shortcuts," the general said. "Airmen must use checklist discipline, be accountable for their actions, and be the best they can be individually so the team can count on them - the mobility team needs them. There is only one way to do things ... the right way."

General Lichte also discussed the importance of managing AMC resources.

"We have to be more efficient," said the general. "Resources are precious, and we have to do all we can to manage them correctly."

Presentations during the conference highlighted command efforts in the areas of energy conservation, new energy sources research, waste reduction, idea sharing and ensuring reliability with precision. Presentations covered issues related to operations, manpower and personnel, safety, Airmen development, quality of life initiatives and other topics.

Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley joined the Rally conference as it began, to speak with AMC officer and enlisted leaders.

Secretary Donley, who was confirmed Oct. 2 as the 22nd secretary of the Air Force, said he is very impressed with the Airmen of AMC.

"The U.S. has some very impressive capabilities when you put all the pieces together ... and it all starts with Air Mobility Command," Secretary Donley said. He said AMC's rapid and precise global mobility mission ensures U.S. warfighters and equipment get to the fight on time, on target and on a moment's notice.

He also said the command's aeromedical evacuation system is getting injured warfighters home faster than ever before. During the Vietnam conflict it took about 45 days for casualties to get back home. During Operation Desert Storm, it took 10 days to move wounded patients to the United States. According to AMC reports, it now takes about three days or less to return U.S. warfighters home - with a better-than 95-percent survival rate.

In closing this year's Phoenix Rally, General Lichte presented a video highlighting AMC missions and Airmen. As the video ended, and the room erupted in applause, General Lichte ended AMC Phoenix Rally with nine simple words: "These are your Airmen ... go take care of them."