Air Force's top officer shares wisdom, insight with McConnell Airmen Published Nov. 1, 2005 By Senior Airman Cheyenne Jackson 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. (AMCNS) -- “This Air Force is the best in the world. You are the most adaptable, flexible, creative and lethal Airmen that have ever flown or walked the earth.” From Cold War enlistees to those who chose to serve their country after the events of 9/11, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. T. Michael Moseley captivated Airmen young and old here Oct. 12. Awe and excitement were replaced with intrigue and attentiveness as the General addressed issues such as the Global War on Terror, the Total Force integration of Guard and Reserve components into current and future deployed operations, officer promotion opportunities, and the Air Force’s new uniform. In what many described as a down-to-earth tone, General Moseley reminded McConnell and 18th Air Force Airmen that the Nation is at war and has been since we dropped the first bombs during Operation Desert Storm more than a decade ago. “There is no other Air Force with the percentage of combat experience you all have,” said General Moseley in his praise of the warfighting troops listening to his speech. “I’m not just talking about Guard or Reserves …it’s all of us. This is a Total Force.” Total Force was also discussed in a question addressed to the general. “Everyone looks at you for the Total Force standard because you make it look so easy,” said General Moseley. Condense and concise was the format for questions, with the general’s answers just as straight forward. When asked what promotion opportunities he foresaw for officers commissioning from 1999 to 2005, General Moseley’s response encouraged officers to do what they know is right: lead to the best of their abilities, and focus on taking care of their people before themselves. “I’m a big believer in heritage and culture," said the general in response to a question posed to him regarding the Air Force’s new battle dress uniform. “I’ve asked the deputy chief of staff of personnel to hold a uniform board and let [Airmen] tell the uniform board what you think.” “We all respect him and appreciated the opportunity to be up close and personal with one of our senior leaders,” said Senior Airman Sarah Buechler of the 349th Air Refueling Squadron. “The general was down-to-earth and welcomed our questions, which demonstrated his mutual respect for us and what we do at the wing level.” General Moseley also expressed his greatest concerns as chief of staff – protecting the U.S., providing for the Airmen and preserving Air Force aircraft. The chief of staff said his personal challenge is to ensure Air Force leaders are taking care of their people. Specifically, in the areas of demographics and training, he said today’s Airmen must be set for a war – the Global War on Terror – that will probably span their lifetimes. “Our country is depending on us. This Air Force has never failed this country, and we won’t now,” said the general.