AFRC Command Chief takes in 301st FW excellence

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Stephen Bailey
  • 301st Fighter Wing
Fort Worth, TEXAS --  The 301st Fighter Wing got a welcomed visit from one its top leaders in early June when Air Force Reserve Command's Command Chief Master Sergeant Troy McIntosh spoke to the troops. He praised them for their hard work and gave them insight towards what the future may look like. 

While visiting most of the 301st squadrons, the chief shared his vision on how together we all can make the Air Force Reserve even better. 

"Chief Master Sgt. Jackson Winsett brought this command into the future and paved the path in creating the 'unrivaled Airman,' providing an endless potential for all Airmen. My goal is to take us to the next level by building new programs and repairing or replacing those that are no longer viable in our operational environment. I believe the statement, 'knowledge is power, is now truer than ever before. If we understand the 'why,' we are committed to the end result and I believe that is success." 

As someone who has seen a few things during his 12 years of active duty service, and 15 years as an Air Reserve Technician, Active Guard Reservist and traditional reservist, Chief McIntosh said he is determined to provide new opportunities for those who desire more. 

"I will continually emphasize the endless possibilities available to all reservists - the sky is the limit when it comes to your military career. With enlisted force development, we will make every effort to break down the barriers and or obstacles to you, our future leaders. Opportunities will be crystal clear to all Airmen." 

An exciting objective of Chief McIntosh's seems to be in grooming the next Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. Remarking to those in attendance he said, "Who's to say that a member of the active Guard and Reserve cannot be a command chief, or an Air Reserve Technician, a first sergeant, a traditional reservist or a recruiter? Barriers to career progression would be non-existent. As a result, the young Airman sitting next to you could be the next numbered Air Force Command Chief or even Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force." 

Offering opportunities through development channels, challenging our men and women to do something different and to grow in their careers more, as well as grabbing hold of the mission opportunities that they normally don't take advantage of, are just a few of the goals the chief wants to help accomplish. 

"I believe we all want to do better - I will work hard to ensure everyone has the chance to succeed in their careers." 

As for the 301st, the chief said he was quite impressed on how high the morale seems to be. "Everyone seems very proud of the work they do - they all have a 'glad to be here' attitude. I also see a good working relationship between officers and enlisted which is a credit to Colonel [Kevin] Pottinger and Chief [Master Sgt. Jack] Mills who I know have worked very hard to accomplish this," Chief McIntosh said. 

Other important issues the chief talked about included the Base Realignment and Closure and the changes it has brought. "We must continue to embrace members who have been affected by BRAC. BRAC can affect all of us so we need to make sacrifices for the team by appreciating everyone. Today you are not on the BRAC list but who knows about tomorrow. We need to have open arms to those affected." 

As for the future, Chief McIntosh doesn't feel like it will slow down very much. "We will continue to take on new missions and continue to show our Air Force Reserve excellence in everything we do - people see the outstanding work we do everyday and it's that kind of service and performance that makes a lasting impression."