Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson, commander of Air Education and Training Command, recently
completed a three-day visit to the 37th Training Wing at Joint Base
San Antonio-Lackland, Oct. 21-23.
The commander held an all call where he introduced
himself to the wing and shared some of his priorities and expectations for the
future.
"You have an extremely difficult job here," he
said, speaking to military training instructors, military training leaders,
instructors and support personnel. "It may not get easier anytime soon, but
know that we are working to alleviate some of the issues and roadblocks you're
experiencing.
"I'll tell you that in any position I've held, three
C's remain constant for me in accomplishing the mission and taking care of my
people," said the command-rated pilot. "Competence, care and
character: These are essential to building trust in any organization."
Speaking about the critical importance of JBSA-Lackland
to the total force, the general expressed his concerns on manning levels for
developmental special duty career fields such as MTIs and MTLs, and his
plans to continue selecting qualified candidates who will impact future Air
Force leaders.
"We are focused on the developmental special duty
program, and we cannot afford to get this wrong," the former Thunderbird
pilot said. "We won't stop asking for qualified candidates because we need your
expertise, leadership and innovation to take us to the next level. We can't do
it without you."
Expanding on his leadership ideals, Roberson spoke about
some important issues, to include suicide and sexual assault. "In no uncertain terms, we need your leadership now
more than ever. Part of caring and leading is to know the people you're in charge
of. Get involved in their lives. Be receptive and willing to engage at any
given time. As for sexual assault, my only answer is zero tolerance."
Throughout his visit, he spoke directly to new Airmen and
to those on the operational side who ensure the 37th TRW provides mission-ready,
competent and professional Airmen.
"I stand in awe of you all and what you do every
day," Roberson said. "I'm proud to be a part of your team, and I will work to help
you do your job."
During a visit to the 343rd Training Squadron, the home of
Air Force Security Forces specialist technical training, the
general took a chance to experience the life of a defender first-hand, as he
volunteered to be tased during a demonstration, sparing a new lieutenant who
recently arrived to the squadron. After a quick recovery, the surrounding
defenders and members of the tour remarked about Roberson's resolve to understand
the physical stressors involved in security forces training.
Wrapping up his visit, the AETC commander visited The
Defense Language Institute English Language Center and the Inter American
Air Force Academy, to expand his knowledge on how the 37th TRW supports the
building of partner-nation armed forces through education,
strengthening global security. He left Airmen at the 37th TRW with this final
message.
"Everything you do here is important for AETC and
for our Air Force," he said. " Because Airpower - starts here!"