Chief of Staff Message to Airmen

  • Published
  • By Gen. T. Michael Moseley
  • 18th Chief of Staff
Airmen of the United States Air Force,

So that I could better communicate my thoughts and intentions to the
widest possible audience, I recently asked for the capability to e-mail all
Airmen directly. Thanks to our technology experts, I now have that
capability, and with this e-mail I begin what I intend to be regular
correspondence with you. From time to time, as issues or events warrant, I
will use this medium to communicate directly with you so that my direction
and intent are clear. Today I begin with some timely thoughts about
discipline.

Our enduring and distinguished record of mission success does not just
happen. It is forged by strong leadership and Airmen who are properly
organized, trained, and equipped to execute their assigned mission. Whether
deployed for expeditionary operations, at home station training for the next
deployment, or conducting daily work for the Nation's Combatant Commanders,
the expectations for all Airmen are the same: commanders command,
supervisors lead, and, from the most junior Airman to the highest levels of
command, we all follow checklist procedures, comply with applicable
directives, and focus on our assigned missions or tasks.

Loss of focus can lead to failure: failure to execute the mission in
a disciplined and accountable manner. I need every Airman - Wingman,
Leader, and Warrior - to join me in driving home this critical point, every
day, in everything we do. Our Air Force and our Nation expect, need, and
deserve nothing less.

Commanders and supervisors at all levels must lead by personal
example, ensure compliance by all, and reinforce the highest standards of
the United States Air Force. No one should ever be given a reason to doubt
our discipline, our integrity, or our ability to fly, fight and win the
Nation's wars. And we must never betray the Nation's trust in its Airmen as
guardians of the common defense.

Integrity, Service, and Excellence are the enduring touchstones of the
United States Air Force, and discipline is at the core of all three. A
disciplined force puts mission first; flies, fights, and wins as a team;
knows the rules; pays meticulous attention to details; and is accountable
for the final results. Our disciplined combat focus has served the Nation
exceptionally well throughout our 60 years as an independent Service. We
can never allow ourselves to lose that focus - it defines who we are, as
well as what we do. What we are entrusted with is far too important for
anything less than total, selfless devotion to our Country and the mission
of the United States Air Force. 

Fly, Fight, and Win!