Air Combat Command's senior enlisted sets the record straight

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Aaron J. Jenne
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Chief Master Sgt. Richard Parsons, Air Combat Command command chief, held a briefing for 4th Fighter Wing Airmen at the base theater here, Oct. 29.

Parsons reminded Team Seymour about the importance of their mission, and answered questions about rumored upcoming changes to promotion procedures and enlisted performance report (EPR) ratings.

After setting the tone with some light-hearted humor, Parsons thanked Airmen in the audience for their service and reminded members that they provide amazing air power and air dominance worldwide.

"The air power that you produce makes sure that bad people don't make it home and good people do," Parsons said.

He acknowledged the tough times the nation is facing and encouraged Airmen to focus on the positive while working through the challenges. Parsons said the Air Force's number one priority is readiness, giving Airmen the training and equipment needed to complete the mission.

Parsons related budget constraints in household terms. He asked what Airmen would do if their pay was cut by a thousand dollars a month. Would they still take their children to a theme park? Would they buy an expensive car? They wouldn't if they were smart, he said, and that's how the Air Force is treating budget cuts. The ends will be met, but certain sacrifices will be made by some career fields.

Parsons fielded questions about master sergeant promotion boards, financial training options, reducing the amount of bullets required on EPRs and limiting the number of Airmen rated five, the highest rating achievable.

"I like the idea of changing to six or eight bullets and cutting out the fluff and creative writing," said Staff Sgt. Cathy Tercero, 4th Fighter Wing Legal Office military justice NCO-in charge. "However, I don't agree with rating amongst peers and limiting the number of fives. I don't think that's fair to the Airman who do their job well."

Another Airman had a different take after listening to Parsons explain senior Air Force leaders' proposals.

"I think limiting the number of five EPRs is going to be beneficial, because right now anyone can get a five," said Airman 1st Class Kiernan Judd, 4th Medical Operations Squadron mental health technician. "This way, only the truly deserving can achieve the rating; it makes getting a five more prestigious."

Parsons asked the audience what the difference between a technician and a good Airman was.

"A great technician is a person I take my car to," Parsons said. "He works on it, fixes it and it runs like a top. A great Airman is a person I let drive my family around in that car. The difference is character and professionalism."

In closing, Parsons spoke about the attention surrounding sexual assault in the Air Force. He urged Airmen to first respect themselves and demand the same from others.

Parsons said that great Airmen, those of character and professionalism, who respect themselves and others, are what the Air Force needs to combat sexual harassment and push into the future.