AFMC command chief visits Airmen

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Foster
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Air Force Materiel Command's new command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Michael Warner, spoke to junior enlisted members here July 20.

As the command chief, he advises the commander and senior staff on matters concerning effective use, training, education and readiness of AFMC's more than 13,000 enlisted Airmen.

"It's my job...to make sure you know our priorities," said Warner. "I also have to represent you to General Wolfenbarger and I do this through my interaction with you and walking around and seeing what you do in your workforce."

He explained that when it comes to top leadership changes, every leader brings in their own thoughts and priorities.

"As an enlisted force, we have to make sure we know what the Air Force's priorities are, what the command's priorities are and what the group's priorities are."

Warner used the session to speak to E-1s through E-6s about his career, the continuing changes within the Air Force and AFMC and answered questions regarding promotion, enlisted performance reports and basic allowance for housing.

When it comes to promotion, he explained it is up to each individual to make it happen.

"I made chief (master sergeant) at 14 years and put it on at 15. I don't attribute that to being any smarter than the next person, because that is not the case," Warner said. "I attribute it to the fact that I studied. After testing, I never put the PDG (professional development guide) down."

Warner also talked about the total person concept and three areas Airmen needed to concentrate on: Job performance, community involvement and education.

"Remember why you came in the Air Force," he said. "If you came in to get an education, get an education. You will make yourself more relevant and now is the time. You will never be less busy."

When asked about BAH rates and if there was a solution to members feeling as if they didn't receive enough money in such a high cost of living area, he answered by stressing the importance of taking the cost of living surveys when they are sent out.

"We're pretty quick with the delete button on the computer when it comes to some things we should pay more attention to," he said.

Warner also spoke directly to the non-commissioned officers.

"If you're a staff or tech. (sergeant), you're leading," he said. "Our newest teammates -- our Airmen -- are preparing to become you, so you can become me. You have a big job. Watch the news and find the time to go to the Air Force portal and keep up with what's going on. NCOs, it's expected of you to know what's going on."

Warner finished by summing up the importance of each Airman and their day-to-day accomplishments.

"It's a very tough environment that we're working in but at the end of the day we're working for a big corporation called the United States Air Force," he said. "We've got a great mission. Lead well...follow well and take care of yourself."