Revitalizing Air Force Squadrons initiative elevates Buckley’s voice

Published May 3, 2017
By Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Rau
460th Space Wing Public Affairs

BUCKLEY AFB, Colo. -- Throughout the week of April 24 – 28 Team Buckley members were given the unique opportunity to provide honest and candid feedback on the best way to improve their units as part of the Revitalize Air Force Squadrons initiative.

The program was set in motion by Gen. Dave Goldfein, Air Force Chief of Staff, who championed it as a way to enhance, what he referred to as, the most essential level of command. The emphasis is placed squarely on where readiness is generated and sustained, where Airmen and families thrive, and where the missions of the Air Force will succeed.

“I believe that it is at squadron level where we succeed or fail as an Air Force...It’s where Airmen are developed,” the CSAF stated earlier this year. “It’s where Airmen and families thrive. It’s where training and innovation occurs. And I believe it’s where we make the most difference as leaders.”
Buckley AFB seized this chance to give a voice to the non-fighter squadrons that provide 24/7 operational missions to the nation and its allies every day.

“The 460th Space Wing is unique in that no one else accomplishes the global missile warning mission that is executed here at Buckley; often we hear Col. Miller, [460th SW commander], state ‘no one else does this,’” explained Lt. Col. Christopher Kennedy, 460th Operations Group deputy commander and Buckley AFB Revitalizing Air Force Squadrons lead. “The Airmen and Civilians on this base have excellent ideas on how to improve the Air Force and are passionate about doing so.

“The feedback from the CSAF's team was overwhelmingly positive,” he added. “They were impressed with the ideas that Buckley personnel have for improving the Air Force and the positive outlook that interviewees had.”

One of the interviewees, Master Sgt. Pourshia Chambers-Motley, 460th Force Support Squadron NCO in charge Airmen and Family Readiness, who attended sessions with the CSAF’s team, was pleased with the format and looks forward to changes.

“I went into the session with reservations not knowing what I was going say or if it would be useful, but mostly would it make a difference,” she said. “I left feeling my feedback was appreciated and echoed what my peers felt as well. My hope for all squadrons is that they regain their identity and all that comes with it—pride, camaraderie and unity.

“I was pleased with the Revitalize Air Force Squadrons initiative because it felt different than any other type of interview or focus group I have taken part in,” Chambers-Motley continued. “I am encouraged that it will be effective because I feel it was all about solutions rather than just pointing out problems.”