BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Chief Master Sgt. Robert Safley took his new position as the new 307th Bomb Wing command chief during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Texas native took time from his busy schedule to answer a few questions and provide insight on his leadership style, moving forward in the midst of a crisis, and his hopes for the men and women of the 307th Bomb Wing.
Q: Can you give us a little background on where you are from and your Air Force career?
Chief Safley: I grew up in Austin, Texas. I served 13 years on active duty at Minot Air Force Base and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, then transferred to an Air Reserve Technician position at Whiteman Air Force Base. I moved to Carswell Field in 2010 and was the Aircrew Flight Equipment superintendent, then OG superintendent, and was the Command Chief for the past two-plus years.
Q: What is your leadership philosophy?
Chief Safley: If I could only pick one word to describe my leadership paradigm, it would be responsibility. I am responsible to our warriors, to my bosses, and for mission execution. I believe a leader's responsibility is to clear the path for their people, removing obstacles, and creating opportunities for others to grow. My leadership journey is ever evolving, and I make a point of consistently developing myself and those around me. I certainly believe in servant leadership. You cannot make it to a senior leader position without caring for Airmen. I like to benchmark and codify best practices for all processes, I embrace change, and I like to make work fun.
Q: What are the things you most want Airmen of the 307th Bomb Wing to know as you begin your tenure?
Chief Safley: I want them to know how their particular position supports the Commander's priorities and our mission. I want everyone to be engaged with their career and primed for future opportunities. I also want us to continue being good wingman and build connectedness and mindfulness into our everyday routines. These aren't just buzzwords, or reserved for Tactical Pause days. One of the many benefits of the Air Force Reserve is the family-first culture. We need to embrace connectedness, build resiliency, and support each other in pursuit of work-life integration.
Q: What are some of the things you’d like to accomplish as the new Command Chief?
Chief Safley: First and foremost, we need to take care of each other and put COVID-19 behind us. We also need to remain focused on compliance, passing the UEI, doing well on all future inspections and assessments, developing future leaders, and advancing the wing.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Chief Safley: I'm excited and humbled to be here. I'm looking forward to getting out and being able to meet all of our warriors and hearing their stories.