ACC command chief visits Dyess: CMSgt Popp speaks on ‘change,’ gains perspective on Dyess assets

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Carolyn Viss
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, TEXAS --  The Air Combat Command command chief master sergeant visited Dyess Wednesday to get a first-hand view of the base and offer Airmen insight on the current and upcoming changes in today's Air Force. 

Command Chief Master Sgt. David Popp visited with many base agencies and units, toured the first-term Airman dormitories and the Longhorn Dining Facility, and had the opportunity to speak with Airman Leadership School and First Term Airman Course students, among other things. 

"The purpose of my visit was really to see the outstanding Airmen Team Dyess has - and to see them not only in their work environments but also in their living and playing environments," Chief Popp said. "We need to be sure that people's home lives are taken care of, because if their personal needs aren't being met, they can't focus on their jobs. That goes for single Airmen as much as it goes for families." 

In addition to a good dorm facility, the fitness center here is the best he's ever seen, he said. He was able to participate in an early-morning spinning class taught by Airman Basic Victoria Contreras, 7th Services Squadron, who has been a fitness specialist here for only three months. 

He said he was highly impressed with the young, first-term Airman's ability to lead even senior noncommissioned officers, and said her example is indicative of the positive leadership skills Airmen in today's Air Force possess. 

Mostly, he talked about the changes that are in effect in today's Air Force. 

For instance, he said the new uniforms are cost effective, wash and wearable, and distinctive. 

"The Air Force 'bumper sticker' on the back of the new T-shirts easily identifies us," Chief Popp said. "While Airmen are on deployments and responding to natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina, if they've got to have their over shirts off, they won't be mistaken for Soldiers or Marines." 

Another change he addressed is the change in the Air Force mission. Because of force shaping and in-lieu-of taskings the Air Force is receiving from the Army, the lifestyle of an Airman today is what he called "gypsy-like." 

"We've got to be ready at all times," Chief Popp said. "If you don't like the gypsy lifestyle, you might think about another career. We can't take second place in our line of work. We've got to be doing our best in every area." 

Specifically, he said, the "Three R's" of the Air Force are readiness, readiness and readiness. 

"We've got to be sure our Airmen are trained," he said. "That means knowing your job and being able to do it in any situation. We also have to be equipped and know how to use the equipment we're issued. That means we need to be completely qualified to use all of our weapons, chemical warfare gear, flak vests, and mobility gear - not just once every 12 or 18 months, but all the time. Third, we need to know when we need to go. If you're in an AEF cycle, you need to know when that cycle is set to deploy, and not make plans to be anywhere but waiting by the phone with your gear ready." 

As the command chief for ACC, Chief Popp said the mission of the B-1 bomber is essential to the Global War on Terror. 

"Now more than ever, the B-1 is employed closer to the fight," he said. "It's in the mix of combat aircraft because of its extremely effective weapons system. When the B-1 is in the area of responsibility, it delivers weapons systems and deterrence. Its presence in the AOR is very important. As far as the future of the B-1 is concerned, we're looking at all of our weapons systems and asking ourselves if they're going to be what we need 20 years down the road. We've got to plan ahead because as our enemy gets sophisticated with technology, we have to sustain our technology so that it will penetrate and do its job. You wouldn't send an antique car to the Indy 500 - so we want to make sure we don't send 'antiques' to fight the GWOT. That goes for not only the B-1 but also the F-16s, B-52s, and many of the Air Force's older aircraft." 

For Airmen who are new to the Air Force and are considering making it a career, Chief Popp challenged them to look closely at the opportunities that are available. 

"Now, more than ever, there are opportunities in the Air Force," he said. "Training, for instance: you may be trained in one (career field) and then cross-trained into another because of the changing needs of the Air Force. This means you've become an expert in more than one field. Also, the benefits package is phenomenal here. Compare yourself to your high school friends and where they are now. Your base pay might not be the highest around, but when you consider the educational benefits, the health care available to you, and even things like free gym membership to a five-star facility, you're making more than many of your contemporaries. The Air Force is a great equal-opportunity employer. On top of that, you'll get to travel. You'll see the world. Today, you might be in Abilene; but tomorrow you might be on the other side of the world. Take advantage of the opportunities you're given, and realize that on top of those you also have the privilege of serving in the world's greatest Air Force." 

Lastly, he thanked Team Dyess for their service and sacrifices. 

"You're a group that's more skilled and more educated than any group of Airmen that's come before you," he said. "America's lucky to have you. Thanks for what you do all around the world."