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AMC’s command chief shares thoughts on enlisted leadership, expeditionary skills

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol
  • U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center Public Affairs
FORT DIX, N.J. --  Air Mobility Command's continuing support for the Global War on Terrorism as well as the Air Force's 60th anniversary were up for discussion with Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Barron Jr., AMC's command chief master sergeant, during his visit to the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center Sept. 18.

Chief Barron, AMC's top enlisted leader since April 2006, is a 28-year Air Force veteran and has been either a first sergeant or a command chief since 1993. In his current position, he is the principal advisor to the AMC commander and his senior staff on matters of health, welfare and morale, professional development and the effective utilization of more than 43,000 active duty and 71,000 Reserve and Guard enlisted personnel assigned to the command.

The following questions and answers are excerpts from the Chief's interview with USAF EC Public Affairs.

Q. AMC's enlisted force is facing some of its busiest times now with the GWOT. In your opinion, what are some of the biggest roles you see enlisted Airmen playing in today's Air Force? 

A. I think all of our Airmen are playing a big role. It doesn't matter if they are in the desert or at home. Airmen are taking care of those responsibilities that need to be done. All of us, whether deployed or at home in any job, are playing a huge role in winning the war and making our Air Force the best in the world.

Q. The Air Force is now 60 years old. How has enlisted force helped shape the service and its advancement during that time? 

A. Everyone you talk to will say the Air Force and (our) military has the best enlisted force in the world. No other country in the world has the kind of enlisted force we have ... it's a definite advantage. It is, without a doubt, the best trained and most capable force out there.
 
Over time, enlisted members have taken over responsibilities that years and years ago had been done by officers. Today's enlisted Airman has grown in capability to meet the needs of a 21st century Air Force that requires higher levels of responsibility.

Q. What is your philosophy on good enlisted leadership? 

A. An enlisted leader needs to set the example. This is a leader who really does live by our core values. It's a person who truly displays integrity first, service before self, and excellence in everything he or she does. This is a leader young Airmen know they can trust and turn to for guidance, but who also maintains the discipline required to keep those Airmen focused and sharp.

Q. How will the new EPR system, in your opinion, affect today's Airman - both officer and enlisted? 

A. I think the way it has been developed will help Airmen better document performance. However, I would also say that if supervisors rate their people honestly, as they should have been all along, then it shouldn't make much of a difference. The form itself isn't the guiding force. When it comes to ratings, it's about integrity and being honest about grading the performance.

Q. What can we look for in the future of AMC as we embrace a new commander and a continuing wartime mission? 

A. I will tell you that General (Arthur) Lichte has basically the same philosophy as our former commander. His number one priority is to win the war on terror and to recapitalize our fleet. He wants us to continue to focus on the great things all AMC Airmen are already doing and for our Airmen to continue to take care of each other and their families.

Q. If you had a definition of an Airman, what would it be? 

A. That's easy - just read the Airman's Creed. I think it defines an Airman better than anything else out there.

The Airman's Creed
I am an American Airman.
I am a Warrior.
I have answered my Nation's call.
I am an American Airman.
My mission is to Fly, Fight, and Win.
I am faithful to a Proud Heritage,
A Tradition of Honor,
And a Legacy of Valor.
I am an American Airman.
Guardian of Freedom and Justice,
My Nation's Sword and Shield,
Its Sentry and Avenger.
I defend my Country with my Life.
I am an American Airman.
Wingman, Leader, Warrior.
I will never leave an Airman behind,
I will never falter,
And I will not fail.

Q. Anything else you'd like to add? 

A. I'd like to thank the Airmen of the Expeditionary Center and all Airmen for what they are doing for our country. Your sacrifices and those of your families are making a huge difference for our nation. You definitely are taking care of our freedom and our Air Force. You are all greatly appreciated.