AETC command chief visits Fairchild

Published May 23, 2007
By Tech. Sgt. Larry W. Carpenter Jr.
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Just over three months since he was the 92nd Air Refueling Wing command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Mark R. Luzader returned to Fairchild, this time as command chief of the Air Education and Training Command.

In March 2007, Chief Luzader took the position as AETC command chief and on May 9 paid Fairchild a visit to get a better understanding of the 336th Training Group's mission. While visiting the 336th's enlisted leadership, the chief received briefings about the mission and discussed the future of the guardian angel weapons system.

"The weapon system is the Air Force's concept of integrating combat search and rescue and survival skills training for Airmen," Chief Luzader said. "When we send Airmen in harms way we want to ensure we give them the tools to return safely and that we have the infrastructure and support network to recover them quickly."

After the meeting, the chief visited the parachute landing facility and resistance training facilities.

"I had the opportunity to go the field and observe survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialists teach," said Chief Luzader. "I got to see first hand the unique challenges they face as they escort enlisted and officer Airmen into austere locations for extended field training. In the field, individual SERE instructors are directly responsible for student health, safety and education. Impressive when you realize many of the SERE specialists are junior NCOs. "

The day came to a close with an enlisted call at the Bud Day Building. The enlisted call provided the chief an opportunity to convey the AETC commander's message to the Airmen.

"It gives me a chance to tell them where AETC command is currently and what the future holds in the training and education arena," said the chief.

When change occurs, it usually brings with it a bit of apprehension and uncertainty. As the Air Force continues to draw down, the concern is shown through the questions that are asked.

"I think that people are always concerned when resources go away because everyone is working extremely hard and contributing to the fight every day," said Chief Luzader.

The chief made it perfectly clear that the Air Force does not expect Airmen to "do more with less." Fewer people, requires us to perform daily tasks more efficiently, or differently. In some instances people will do less with less. We will need to prioritize what we do to make sure it's value added.

To keep the mission lean, the Air Force is scrubbing additional duties and training programs to determine which ones are absolutely value added.

"Our Lean and AFSO 21 initiatives help us identify what we should be doing and what we should not." Chief Luzader said.

"It is important to remember we are a service born from innovation and change. As a service that is founded in technology we should be very comfortable with evolution and innovation." he said.

As the chief transitions to the AETC realm, challenges will arise in a major command that affect Airmen from the day they take the oath of enlistment until they receive their retirement orders.

"When you're fighting a fight like we fight, then the skill sets that Airmen use have to be adaptive as well," said Chief Luzader. "One of our challenges is keeping our instructors current and relevant. By bringing in fresh expertise from the field we ensure our instructors know the latest tactics, techniques and procedures. After a tour of duty in AETC we return our instructor cadre to the field where their skills as teachers, trainers and leaders add value to front line units. I encourage everyone to consider a tour as a formal instructor. A tour in AETC allows you to directly give back to our Air Force by sharing your experience with the next generation of Airmen. "

As the chief wrapped up his visit at Fairchild and headed back to Randolph AFB, Texas, he reflected back on his time here.

"Fairchild is a place that stays with you long after you leave. The pride and professionalism of the women and men of Team Fairchild accompanied with the strong support of the local community and the picturesque environment leave a lasting impression" said Chief Luzader.

Chief's Visit