CMSAF visits Misawa's Wild Weasels

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez-Domitilo
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  The highest ranking enlisted Airman, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody, made his first visit here to witness first-hand the revamping of the 35th Fighter Wing's combat readiness mission and personally address current changes facing the enlisted force.

As part of his two-day visit, he began by familiarizing with Team Misawa's role as the only bilateral, joint-service air base in the Asia-Pacific region and the strategic placement it plays in providing regional security cooperation.

Cody personally met with Airmen assigned to various sections from Misawa's four groups including vehicle and aircraft maintainers, operations personnel and medics.

"The whole reason for these types of visits is to interact with Airmen," said Cody. "There's a lot going on globally and Airmen are engaged in it every day, especially in this region."

His visit also served as an opportunity to speak directly to Airmen about decisions made by Air Force leadership from a strategic level point-of-view.

"Being able to hear what's on Airmen's minds is one of the best parts of this job" said Cody. "It shapes how I represent them to the American people, our elected officials, to the secretary of the Air Force and to the chief of staff."

To address Airmen directly, Cody hosted an all call where he spent time clarifying and answering questions on topics like the developmental special duty program, physical fitness standards, retirement, the enlisted evaluation system, basic allowance for housing adjustments and more.

One key topic Cody hit was changes to the enlisted evaluation system.
"We haven't changed the enlisted evaluation and promotion systems since 1969," said Cody. "We have tweaked it, and we've thought we changed it, but really we haven't. Now we are fundamentally changing it."

The chief explained that if the Air Force doesn't value an Airman's actual job performance and doesn't quantify it over time, there is a risk of losing that individual. 

This goes back to what Cody has talked about in the past as a human capital strategy that focuses on deliberate development. He further explained that he truly believes each and every Airman has the potential to accomplish great things simply because they are part of the Air Force.

"I have strong confidence in the capabilities of our Airmen because I see what they bring to the table compared to those outside the Air Force," said Cody. "We have the best trained, most educated, and experienced Air Force the world has known."

He also recognized the opportunity every Airman is given to succeed through the ranks.

"Show me an organization where anybody who comes in has the potential to move all the way to the top," said Cody. "Our system is one of continued eligibility and opportunity, and we will remain this way."

He stressed he was not concerned about where the Air Force is headed because the men and women who serve in this professional volunteer force are unlike any other in American history.

The chief acknowledged the changes being implemented could be impactful to the future of the Air Force and Airmen's careers, but wants everyone to continue to have a great sense of pride in who they are and what they do for their country every day.

"Be proud of what you do for the American people, our partners here in Japan and what we do globally," Cody told Misawa Airmen. "Our leaders could not be more appreciative of your service and sacrifice."