Commander's message to the wing

  • Published
  • By Col. Dave Buck
  • 30th Space Wing Commander
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  I recently held my first Commander's Call where I discussed a number of topics I believe important to everyone in the 30th Space Wing. I know some of you weren't able to attend due to leave, temporary duty or other constraints; therefore, I want to take this opportunity to relay some main points.

BACK TO BASICS

We are in the Profession of Arms; sometimes I think we forget this. This is the most highly-respected profession in the world and we need to live up to that reputation. It starts with the basics ... customs and courtesies, adhering to AFIs, coming to work every single day with excellence on our minds - we can't afford anything less. We don't have a choice which Air Force Instructions to comply with; we have to follow them all. When we don't, we end up making mistakes ... mistakes like strapping nuclear weapons under the wing of a B-52 and flying them cross-country. Perfection is the standard. 

Our training institutions get it right - Basic Military Training School, the Air Force Academy, Reserve Officer Training Corps, and Officer Training School. They instill the importance of accountability, excellence, customs and courtesies, and respect. We do everyone a disservice when our newly-minted Airmen show up to their first duty location and they're told that their previous training environment isn't the "real Air Force." When I see individuals ducking in buildings to avoid paying respect to the Colors, not understanding requirements or not complying with Air Force Instructions, speaking to superiors on a first-name basis, uniform violations, et cetera, it indicates they do not have the proper discipline or mindset. When we lower the standards for one person, we lower the standards for the installation. 

To this day, I won't walk across manicured grass when there is a sidewalk available. I still stand any time someone enters my office, whether they out rank me or not; I simply believe it's the right thing to do. It is everyone's job to enforce standards and set the right example. When our first sergeants, the command chief and I are the uniformed police on this base enforcing standards, everyone else is not doing their jobs. I expect each of you to evaluate your own actions and the actions of those you supervise with a critical eye. Remember, you are part of a Profession of Arms and you are held to a higher standard. I'll accept nothing less and neither should you.

FIT TO FIGHT

The "fit to fight" slogan is not cliché. We must be a fit Air Force in order to fight and win. I'm noticing a negative trend. Personnel are not maintaining a constant state of fitness throughout the year. Some are scrambling at the last moment to prepare for and pass the annual fitness test. That's the wrong way to operate. I get to the fitness center almost every day; in fact, my calendar is blocked for warfit - it's a part of my lifestyle and it should be part of yours. Our commanders, superintendents and supervisors have an obligation to make warfit time available - allowing Airmen to workout at least 90 minutes a day, at least three times per week. Just as important, you should be doing the same for yourself. You'll be amazed at how refreshed you feel, how clearly you think and how much more you can get done during the rest of the day. And don't forget about our civilian team members; they also need warfit time. When in doubt, read and understand the requirements in AFI 10-248. This is a commander's program.

KNOW THE PRIORITIES

The Air Force has enhanced its focus and there are new priorities everyone should know. The four priorities are:

1. Reinvigorate the Nuclear Enterprise
2. Win Today's Fight
3. Take Care of Our Airmen and Their Families
4. Prepare for Tomorrow's Challenges

These should just roll off your tongue. Our senior leaders are focused on the nuclear enterprise - this means our assured access to space mission isn't in the spotlight right now and that's fine by me. But, that also means our senior leadership is counting on us to get it right ... the first time, every time.

The 30th Space Wing's priorities are in lockstep with the Air Force priorities. Our priorities are:

1. Improve Current Systems and Operations
2. Take Care of Our Airmen and Their Families
3. Transition New Capabilities and Systems

The 30th Space Wing Vision is:

"America's Finest Airmen Delivering Unrivaled Space Power at the Gateway to Space"

The 30th Space Wing Mission is:

"To Provide Combat Capability to the Joint Warfighter Through Assured Access
to Space and Combat Ready Airmen"

The previous mission statement included installation operations. I believe installation operations are inherent and do not need to be included in our mission statement. Installation operations are the bedrock - fundamentally important to the success of everything that takes place at an Air Force base.

Everyone needs to find themselves in the new wing vision and mission statements. You all bring something to the fight and there is no one person or position more or less critical to the mission - we all support the Joint Warfighter and our coalition partners.

ON THE HORIZON

There are a couple of big ticket items on the 30th Space Wing agenda over the next four months. First, we are gearing up for an Operational Readiness Inspection and Unit Compliance Inspection in September. In early September, the Air Force Space Command Inspector General Team will observe a real-world deployment line as some of our best 30th Civil Engineer Squadron Airmen deploy. The team will also observe real-world launch operations during the Delta-II, GEOEYE-1 launch in early September. In mid-September, the IG team will complete the final phases of the inspection. An inspection of this size is tremendously taxing and we need everyone's head in the game.

We have conducted a number of local exercises to practice and hone our skills and we will continue to do so. I know these exercises have not been easy and they often encroach on time that would normally be spent with family and friends. It's important that you manage your family's expectations. Let them know you'll be busier over the coming month or so, but that doesn't mean you're not thinking of them. This sacrifice leading up to and during the ORI will pay dividends.

The second big event on the horizon is the 14th Air Force change of command in early December. Lt. Gen. William Shelton will turn the reigns over to Lt. Gen. (S) Larry James and we, as the host wing, will have significant participation in the event. Why is this important? First impressions are lasting and not repeatable. We only get one shot to make the right first impression. There will be many distinguished visitors and guests at Vandenberg during the days surrounding the event. It's not just those individuals directly involved with the ceremony that need to put their best foot forward. We need everyone to be on their game. Everyone will play an important part and I know we'll be ready.

CONCLUSION

I'll conclude by telling you that I'm very excited to be part of Team Vandenberg and the 30th Space Wing; it's a privilege to be your commander. Clearly, this is the premier wing and base in AFSPC and you should be proud to be part of this team. My promise to you is that I will work hard every day to set the right example and to ensure you have everything you need for mission success and a high quality of life. I need each of you to do your part. You need to come to work ready, willing and able to do the job, do it well and do it right. Remember, "Come to work every day with excellence on your mind."

 

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