CMSAF visits Wright-Patterson AFB

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nick Dastas
  • 88 Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  As Airmen filed in to the base theater March 20 - some in large groups, others slowly trickling in - the call to fill in the seats down front came loud and clear. The beginning of this Airmen's Call fit the formula of many others.

Then Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James Cody stepped out onto stage. What followed was no PowerPoint briefing, but a long discussion between the top enlisted member and fellow Airmen.

Many questions revolved around the enlisted evaluation system and what its future would hold. Cody explained there would be changes to the system, but that the real change had to come from Airmen.

"The number of inflated EPRs is too high and that is not due to system error or even the integrity of supervisors," Cody said. "The problem stems from trying to classify every Airman as the very best, and that simply isn't possible."

The new system, he said, will document and recognize those Airmen whose performance truly stands out.

Airmen can expect the new system to roll out in phases, starting with a new feedback form in the coming months and the first new enlisted performance reports at the end of the year, Cody added.

He also spoke on the need for feedback to be more in-depth and timely.

"Meaningful feedback to our Airmen establishes expectations," Cody said. "It (feedback) will help Airmen understand what areas require improvement."

Another discussion revolved around the use, and in recent instances misuse, of social media by service members.

"Many younger Airmen prefer to communicate through social media," Cody said. "Meeting Airmen at that level allows us to be a strong and connected force and communicate key Air Force messages.

"However, Airmen need to realize that they are Airmen 24/7 and should use proper judgment when posting things on social media or using social media as their communication tool," Cody continued.

Cody also addressed force management programs that will reshape the Air Force as service officials consider cutting between 16,000 and 18,000 Airmen by 2016.

"We have a responsibility to shape the Air Force into a structure that is sustainable for the future," Cody said. "Given the budget restraints and the constant need for modernization, we will have to sacrifice some things.

"But while the Air Force, our mission and even Airmen's duties may change, our dedication to service and resolve for excellence should not," Cody said.

During Cody's two-day visit to Wright-Patterson AFB, he served as the guest speaker at the National Air and Space Intelligence Center dining out March 21. He also spoke to enlisted members in Airman Leadership School and toured facilities in the 711 Human Performance Wing and the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, as well as the 88 Operations Support Squadron and the 445 Airlift Wing.