Former CMSAF McKinley visits Travis

Published Jan. 27, 2012
By Airman 1st Class Madelyn Ottem
60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The 15th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force shared his insight and experience with Airmen from every tier Jan. 20 during his visit to Travis Air Force Base.

Throughout his 31-year Air Force career, former Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney McKinley both observed and participated in shaping the current Air Force.

McKinley experienced numerous career changes, witnessed many uniform changes, helped develop the new physical training test, contributed to the development of the Airman's creed and remained a humble Airman through it all.

McKinley began the day with breakfast at the Sierra Inn Dining Facility with an Airman representing every squadron on Travis.

"You have to take care of yourself and each other," McKinley said. "Have a balance among fun, education and accomplishing the mission."

While finding off duty activities for Airmen is important to keep stress at bay, McKinley also recognized the bottom line of the military.

"At the end of the day we live in a dangerous world," he said. "We need a very strong military of overwhelming power."

One policy that McKinley helped to implement was the revised PT program.

"I helped change the PT test because I didn't want it to be a program that just existed, but to also be a program with integrity" he said. "I want Airmen to be fit, healthy, and look like they belong in a uniform serving our nation."

A physically fit force is not enough to accomplish the mission. Airmen must have support and guidance to find the best path to remaining positive, intelligent and well-grounded.
McKinley joined the Air Force in the medical field, took a break in service for four years and rejoined as a crew chief. From there McKinley served as a first sergeant for ten years before becoming a command chief master sergeant and later the chief master sergeant of the Air Force.

"As an Airman, my philosophy always was that my best assignment is the one I'm currently at and my best job is the one I presently have," he said.

"I chose to be positive," McKinley said. "Only you can choose to be happy and then you can be as successful as you want."

McKinley encourages all Airmen to not only become the best Airman they can be in their specific career fields, but also to look into what the Air Force has to offer regarding tuition assistance.

"Know your Air Force Specialty Code," McKinley said. "Study the PDG (professional development guide), the book with all the answers is given to you."

McKinley's vision for the future of a well-grounded enlisted force includes Airmen that value each other and want each other to succeed.

"Treat everybody with dignity and respect," McKinley said. "It's not a job to serve in this Air Force; it is a privilege and an honor."

After giving advice to the lower-tier Airmen, McKinley offered his insight to the future supervisors of those Airmen at Airmen Leadership School.

"Just because you're going to be a supervisor does not mean you have to lose your sense of humor. I always had fun in my career and never dreaded going to work."

McKinley believes that Airmen need the leadership that offers the opportunity for all Airmen to be given a chance, he said. When Airmen mess up, pick them up, shake them off and point them in the right direction. Sometimes Airmen stumble, but there is a big difference between making a mistake and committing a crime.

"You can never stop learning about how to be a better Airman," McKinley said. "Even as Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force I continued to learn how to be a better Airman."

As McKinley continued to speak to the different groups at Travis, he climbed the enlisted tiers and spoke with the chief master sergeant selects that would be honored later that night at the chief's recognition ceremony.

His message to the new chief master sergeants continued on his theme to all the other groups, the theme of remaining humble despite achieving the highest ranking enlisted position.

"The first thing I'm going to tell you is to eat a big piece of humble pie," he said. "You're done achieving the next stripe, now it's time to give back and work on those Airmen beneath you."

"We, as senior enlisted leaders, stand behind our Airmen, in the good times and the bad," McKinley said. "The most important asset to be successful as a chief master sergeant is a pair of ears. And the most invaluable tool is to listen to your people."