JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody visited Airmen here April 12 to discuss his vision for the Air Force and what it means for current and future Airmen.
The 17th chief master sergeant of the Air Force spoke at the base theater, discussing the future of the Air Force with junior enlisted Airmen, NCOs and Senior NCOs separately.
Cody talked about his three key focus areas: deliberately developing Airmen, caring for Airmen and their families, and establishing a healthy work/life balance.
The foundation of his Air Force vision is for Airmen to find and maintain a healthy work/life balance and become more resilient by building trust at every level.
"It's not about creating another program or computer-based training," said Cody. "You need to know your Airmen. We must continue to build a level of trust based on mutual respect with our Airmen. You are a fellow Airman, a fellow human-being who deserves respect."
The chief said fiscal challenges are forcing tough and sometimes unpopular decisions, but assured Airmen they and their families are always a major consideration.
In the past, the Air Force has tried to do more with less by accomplishing the same mission with a smaller budget and less manpower, added Cody.
"Trying to do more with less hasn't worked," said Cody. "We required a lot of you and you figured out ways to get things done, yet it has taken a toll on you and your families and it's not sustainable."
His message to the Airmen, front-line supervisors and senior leadership alike was that mission remains essential but Airmen must take care of their families.
"The mission will always be here," said the chief. "But you need to take care of your loved ones so that when your Air Force career has run its course, your family will be there too."