NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James outlined her plan to improve the “quality of experience” for Airmen during her keynote address Oct. 28, 2016, at the 48th annual Air Mobility Command and Airlift/Tanker Association Symposium here.
Addressing the crowd of nearly 1,600 Airmen, industry partners, civic leaders, service members and international allies gathered, James announced plans to improve the Air Force quality of life. The latest part of this plan includes the consolidation or elimination of a large portion of the 42 individual training courses currently required by Air Force regulations.
“I am pleased to announce that we will eliminate 15 standalone courses and streamline another 16,” said James. “This means that we will reduce the time (Airmen) will spend on computer-based and ancillary training.”
With the policy updates due to be released on January 1, 2017, James reiterated that these changes will be effective immediately, as those courses targeted for elimination will no longer be required to be completed.
“We believe that the more time we return to our Airmen will improve the quality of their experience in the Air Force, as well as ultimately help to improve our readiness,” said James.
Responding to a question regarding the return of these additional duties in the future, James announced the formation of a panel at Air Force Headquarters to address and evaluate proposed duties for Airmen.
James has taken the initiative to protect educational benefits, preserving pay and compensation elements, and increasing pilot compensation in an effort to retain the highly skilled Airmen currently serving.
“We also recognize that the quality of experience in the Air Force is a powerful motivator that either draws people to continue service or pushes them toward the back door to leave us,” said James.
James hopes an increased emphasis on quality of life improvements will help bring growth to the Air Force in the coming years.
“In my judgment, we have gotten too small,” said James. “What that means to me is that we need to grow. We need to grow now, so that is precisely what we are doing. For me, it isn’t just about getting more people. It’s also about getting the right, high-quality people, and then developing and retaining the best among them.”
In the current climate of budget efficiency concerns and increased integration between services, James maintains her focus on ensuring the future of the Air Force is bright.
“When I look 10 years down the road, I see a Total Air Force that is even stronger,” said James. “With our active duty, our guard, reserve, our civilians, our Civil Air Patrol, and our families that are always behind us. I see a Total Air Force that will be stronger. I see an Air Force that will be more diverse, and even more agile than today.”