10th Air Force holds annual commanders and command chiefs conference

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Mary A. Andom
  • 10th Air Force

The 10th Air Force held their annual commanders and command chiefs management and leadership review in Fort Worth, Texas, June 20-23.

During the event, Maj. Gen. Bryan P. Radliff, 10th Air Force commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Christopher S. Bluto, 10th Air Force command chief, addressed senior leaders from the 11 subordinate wings and six direct reporting units that make up the most diverse Numbered Air Force.

Attendees heard from the Chief of Staff of the Air Force and Air Force Reserve Command leaders in person and virtually.

The three-day session focused on disseminating information from senior leaders to commanders and chiefs on various topics to include budgeting, recruitment challenges and force restructure.

Radliff and 10th AF staff provided insight on how to further align with AFRC and NAF strategic priorities of readiness, resilience and reform.

“The management and leadership review was an opportunity for command chiefs and commanders to receive transparent communication from the two-star general level down,” said Chief Master Sgt. Keith Horswill, the 610th Air Operations Group senior enlisted leader. “It was refreshing to be among my peers to synergize and communicate challenges and solutions in our units.”

Radliff discussed the future of military readiness with implementation of the Air Force Generation, AFFORGEN, model which will replace the Air Expeditionary Force construct with a 24-month cycle composed of four, six-month readiness phases. The model is expected to reach initial operating capability in fiscal year 2023, according to the Air Force Secretary of Public Affairs.

“AFFORGEN is the future of deployments; it is imperative your organizations implement accurate training plans to tactically execute,” said Radliff. “This is where we are driving, we have to build the foundation.”

Tenth Air Force leaders were provided the opportunity to discuss and resolve challenges across the NAF, said Col. Joseph Marcinek, the 655th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing commander.

“It is vital to develop future plans that best serve our significant operational needs and the needs of our Airmen,” said Marcinek. “This event helped us make significant progress toward achieving these objectives.”

Radliff spoke with senior leaders on the the health, morale, welfare and effective management of their organizations. He also encouraged leaders to remember their “why” by embracing the warrior ethos of tough mindedness, tireless motivation, and unceasing vigilance.

“Leadership is hard,” said Radliff. “Don’t be afraid to share your struggles and your story of resilience with your Airmen. Sit down have breakfast with your Airmen and build that resilience from the bottom up.”

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