AFRC/CCC visits Wing

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Chad Smith
  • 917th Wing Historian
BARKSDALE AFB, La. --  During a three-day visit and tour of the 917th Wing, members got a chance to pick the brains of Air Force Reserve Command's Command Chief Troy McIntosh and Tenth Air Force Command Chief Lawrence Chang. 

After documenting several meetings with officers and enlisted personnel, Col.Ed Walker, Chief Master Sgt. Elroy Combs, senior NCOs, and many squadron troops, I can tell you that Chief McIntosh has no problem being honest about current and future operations. Several issues were addressed, some popular, others not so much. I think we all know which one that was, so no need to mention it here. Bottom line is, the Air Force is changing and our relevance to the total integrated force is the key to the future mission of the Wing. 

Overall Chief McIntosh was very impressed with the 917th and its people. He commented several times that he was "amazed with the capability of the wing to maintain both heavy and fighter operations so effectively." He also spoke highly of the job Chief Combs is doing while remarking to him and several Wing members that communication must pass from top to bottom constantly. "This is the only way real progress can happen. Don't assume senior leadership knows what's best. You have to tell them," he said. The same goes for those concerned about the retirement age, Chief McIntosh said. "You've got to write congress." 

The Chief made it clear that times are getting tougher. "We have to do more with less and there's a possible realignment. Don't think it won't happen," he said. He stressed the importance of staying fit physically and mentally because the fitness test is about to become more difficult. "Get your education and always have yourself ready for the next stripe." 

I could tell Chief McIntosh has genuine concern for our troops. He listened attentively. A few squadrons we visited had serious questions regarding issues like deployment and lack of proper equipment. Some of these questions really had no easy answers, but Chief McIntosh assured them he would do everything possible to voice their concerns and remedy the problems. "This war is very real and very long, we must accept it, and deal with it the best we can." 

Listening to Chief McIntosh answer questions and talk to hundreds of people was a learning experience to say the least. When I told him how impressed I was with the way he handled so many different personalities, and believe me there were, he replied "You just have to be honest with people, tell them how it is, what they need to do, and they'll respond."