Commander reflects on first six months on the job

Published Dec. 4, 2009
By Col Steven Chapman
Commander, 315th Airlift Wing

CHARLESTON AFB, S.C. -- It has been over six months since Janet and I arrived at Charleston AFB and the 315 AW; rest assure, we love it!

We were welcomed with open arms and a long list of recommended restaurants; needless to say I've stepped up my Fit-to-Fight activities. Janet and I thank everyone for such a warm welcome!

The accomplishments of the 315th have been resounded within AFRC for as long as I can remember and those achievements have not slowed down. Shortly after my arrival, this wing absolutely decimated a series of higher headquarters inspections culminating in an outstanding rating in the LSEP, outstanding rating in the AMDS Health Series Inspection, a fully mission ready rating in the Aircrew Standardization and Evaluation Visit and results that were second to none in the Unit Compliance Inspection. All the while we had over 300 personnel either deploying or in a deployed status. These results are truly indicative of the culture and expectations held by all members of the 315th, outstanding community support and Team Charleston.

True to form for any military organization, the challenges will continue to present themselves in various forms ranging from pay issues to manpower changes; but we're up to the challenge! We have the expertise and the stamina within this outstanding organization to meet and beat any challenge laid before us!

As the new wing commander, in various settings, I've been asked what concerns keep me awake at night. I have a laundry list of topics I could cover but, not having the wherewithal nor the space or time, I will discuss my primary concern which hits several different areas.

My top concern is the many threats to our personnel as we prosecute the Global War on Terror; are you ready to deploy? This is a multi-faceted and complex issue. Commanders and supervisors at every level have the responsibility to ensure the personnel we deploy have the training and equipment they need to be safe and successful. There is also individual responsibility to accomplish requisite training (CBTs, CBRNE, ancillary, etc) to include individual medical readiness requirements. An offshoot of this is ensuring you're receiving the training you need to stay current, qualified and ready to deploy. If not, you need to inform your chain of command.

Another facet of readiness is your family. Is your family ready for you to deploy? Do you have your finances situated; PIN numbers, My Pay access? Do you have powers of attorney accomplished? Is your spouse well versed in Tri-Care or have a good subject matter expert to contact for difficulties? Do they know Ms. Lisa Sweatt is the Chief of our Family Readiness and the resources she and the base can provide? As required, is your Family Care Package up to speed?

There are plenty of distractions while you're deployed, don't let a family issue be the cause for something unfortunate!

Don't forget about your employer. Remember to let them know as soon as possible about pending deployments and supply them with a copy of your orders or a letter of intent from your organization framing the deployment dates.

I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea that this is a supremely important issue that wraps itself around the whole issue of being a member of the 315 AW, AFRC and the Air Force. Mission success is both a team and individual responsibility by being current, qualified and ready to deploy.

We must continue to be prepared as we go into 2010. As a nation at war, it is essential we must remain ever vigilant, alert and conscious of the people around us, and constantly available to those who need us. The Air Force and the nation rely on the Air Force Reserve for our experience and our manpower; we must be prepared! Each of you is a huge force multiplier.

Thanks for what you do so well! As a team, we have made the 315th Airlift Wing and Team Charleston the premier AMC associate organization. Please thank your family for their outstanding support; without it, none of this would be possible.