CSAF visits COCOM Airmen

Release Date: Jul 23, 2009

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Rob Hazelett
U.S. European Command Public Affairs Office

STUTTGART, Germany - More than 450 Airmen from the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and the U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) attended an Air Force "all-hands call" at Patch Barracks hosted by Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force (CSAF), July 23.

He visited Airmen to learn about various Airman roles at the Combatant Command (COCOM) level, gain knowledge of the EUCOM/AFRICOM initiatives and determine where the Air Force can best assist with COCOM objectives and missions.

During the meeting, Schwartz weighed in on topics that were impacting the Air Force such as financial pressure that has resulted in fighter-aircraft drawdown and the stand-ups of the 24th Air Force and the Air Force Global Strike Command.

He said one of the reasons he brought the Airmen from the two commands together was to make sure they understood the appreciation the Air Force senior level had for what is going on outside of the U.S. Central Command and for those who were representing the Air Force as an institution in the joint world.

"Never underestimate the significance of what happens on a joint assignment. The relationships you build, the respect and credibility that you gain with your counterparts and seniors here will live with you for years." the 36-year Air Force veteran said. "Everybody in our Air Force counts. There's no job or specialty that is more important than the other, and this applies in the joint world."

Schwartz, who is the 19th CSAF, serves as the senior uniformed Air Force officer responsible for the organization, training and equipping of nearly 700,000 active-duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian forces serving in the United States and overseas. As a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the general and other service chiefs function as military advisers to the Secretary of Defense, National Security Council and the President.

Schwartz said Airmen should take seriously the enormous stress members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families are under and keep an eye out for each other and be prepared to intervene so others do not get in a desperate state.

Airmen from the COCOMs were told there are some things in the Air Force that can be done only one way: "That's the Air Force way. Some areas require precision, reliability and compliance. We have to be uncompromising in doing our jobs well," he said.

The CSAF said the COCOM Airmen should maintain a balance in their life and enjoy each other's company while part of the Air Force.

Schwartz concluded the discussion as he expressed his appreciation for the COCOM Airmen's service and passed along his appreciation for their spouses and families service, as well.

Before his two-day trip to EUCOM, Schwartz also toured Israel and Royal Air Force Fairford in Gloucestershire, England.