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Here is an interesting thread about the AF... Question from REDDIT author:
More than half of the people leaving the Air Force leave because they say they do not like the direction that it's headed in. Can someone give me some insight of why they may feel this way?
Top Response:
Shifting away from being a war fighting superpower and becoming a shy corporate entity that allows itself to be bullied by politicians, espirit de corps and unit morale being sodomized with a rake for the sake of liability, over emphasis on wildly unnecessary equipment and budget with an astonishing lack of care for the people who keep this force running.
The mission is being hampered and many units don't have what they need to get their job done effectively just because top brass wants to cover their ass. Just look at what our briefings emphasize: how many times are we briefed on things like SARC, FWA and other liability issues that are the product of commanders becoming frightened by statistics? We're transitioning from "Fly, fight, win" to "Do more with less, make your brass look good, shut up and color".
That said, I can't speak for everyone. This is just the overwhelming consensus. Leadership has become so enthralled with fighting statistics and numbers that they forget about the real fight. When commanders care more about looking good statistically and aesthetically for their own higher-ups than accomplishing our war fighting purpose to the best of our ability, the entire force suffers.
With that in mind, some leaders are better than others. I've seen the good and the bad, and the good ones that put their troops first despite intimidation from their own bosses are sadly far and few between and rather short-lived.
Edit: Never thought I'd get gold. Thanks, friend. Double edit: Just because I know someone is going to bring it up, I'm not saying things like SARC and FWA are unimportant. I'm saying that the perspective seems to be that leaders spend more time looking at spreadsheets than they spend listening to their troops. The Air Force asked me once every three or so months about how to stop sexual harassment. How many times did the Air Force ask me how policy could be changed to help me get my job done faster and more reliably? Zero. And I'm confident that my career field wasn't the only one with this issue.
http://www.reddit.com/r/AirForce/comments/2pzibn/what_direction_are_they_talking_about/
More than half of the people leaving the Air Force leave because they say they do not like the direction that it's headed in. Can someone give me some insight of why they may feel this way?
Top Response:
Shifting away from being a war fighting superpower and becoming a shy corporate entity that allows itself to be bullied by politicians, espirit de corps and unit morale being sodomized with a rake for the sake of liability, over emphasis on wildly unnecessary equipment and budget with an astonishing lack of care for the people who keep this force running.
The mission is being hampered and many units don't have what they need to get their job done effectively just because top brass wants to cover their ass. Just look at what our briefings emphasize: how many times are we briefed on things like SARC, FWA and other liability issues that are the product of commanders becoming frightened by statistics? We're transitioning from "Fly, fight, win" to "Do more with less, make your brass look good, shut up and color".
That said, I can't speak for everyone. This is just the overwhelming consensus. Leadership has become so enthralled with fighting statistics and numbers that they forget about the real fight. When commanders care more about looking good statistically and aesthetically for their own higher-ups than accomplishing our war fighting purpose to the best of our ability, the entire force suffers.
With that in mind, some leaders are better than others. I've seen the good and the bad, and the good ones that put their troops first despite intimidation from their own bosses are sadly far and few between and rather short-lived.
Edit: Never thought I'd get gold. Thanks, friend. Double edit: Just because I know someone is going to bring it up, I'm not saying things like SARC and FWA are unimportant. I'm saying that the perspective seems to be that leaders spend more time looking at spreadsheets than they spend listening to their troops. The Air Force asked me once every three or so months about how to stop sexual harassment. How many times did the Air Force ask me how policy could be changed to help me get my job done faster and more reliably? Zero. And I'm confident that my career field wasn't the only one with this issue.
http://www.reddit.com/r/AirForce/comments/2pzibn/what_direction_are_they_talking_about/
Posted in these groups: 
Social MediaAir Force ROTC
Social MediaAir Force ROTC
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 24
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Never heard of it, and from what I just read do not give it much credence... as a group superintendent I talk with folks leaving the Air Force all the time, and none of them are for any philosophical reasons on where the service is heading. Most often the reasons are similar to why I almost left a number of times, they want more quality time with their family, they are tired of deployments, they got the education they came in the service to get, got a great job offer, or they simply want a more stable life.
Now that said, the Air Force is going through a large number of changes in the near future in how we evaluate, rate, and promote our enlisted folks, but most that I am in contact with are willing to give the system a shot before making a decision on leaving the service.
Now that said, the Air Force is going through a large number of changes in the near future in how we evaluate, rate, and promote our enlisted folks, but most that I am in contact with are willing to give the system a shot before making a decision on leaving the service.
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MSgt Robert Pellam
Chief. I think you understand what is going on. 1 have been out since 2013 and I can tell you my reasons for leaving are far different then most people. That being said, I also like that you are trying to understand this Airmen's point of view. One of my biggest jobs while in was being a mediator between the Airmen and the SNCO's. As a MSgt I prided myself on being approachable. Often I found myself listening to Airmen/NCO problems. If I thought they had merit I would up channel them to see if change could be made. 90% of the time though I would end up just explaining the more complicated workings of the Air Force to these young men and woman so they could understand things better. This usually would provide a buy in for the young Airmen and have them become part of the solution. And thanks for doing unannounced visits. I noticed when SNCO's did that they earned more respect from the Airmen and young NCO's
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A1C Bill Hughes
Chief i agree i don't see that being a majority of reasons to haven't I don't think that is the reason people leave. Maybe some do, but not the majority of people leaving. Although I do think the enlisted career is a long a tough road to bare. I personal wouldn't make a career under enlisted in the military or recommend that life style to my relatives or my friends. There are just too many controls to live 20 plus as enlisted. When you can get out and find a job that pays you more where you not risking you life. Even if you do stay in for 20 years not having a college degree you maybe end up at best being a manager at Wal-Mart. I believe it better to just remain a civilian, go to college, get a college degree and then get into a civilian career. I believe we shouldn't even have a active service I do believe we need the trained, but not running around doing nothing and getting paid for it. When we are war then we sign up, but when the war is over we get out and get a job in the free world.
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TSgt (Join to see)
I'm currently deployed with a SMSgt that hasn't deployed since '97. I can't even explain the disconnect between what is a real mission request to get something done and what experience level he's collected to make it happen. You wouldn't send a soldier to a fire fight without a rifle...so I ask why would a firefighter be told to fight fire without any PPE for 3 months into a 6 month deployment. I'll be part of the next 70% of the people that volunteer to get out if offered again after 15yrs of service.
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TSgt Joshua Copeland
TSgt (Join to see), deploying or not deploying is often out of the members control. It is all about what tasking the unit gets, if the unit has deployable billets, and what band/AEF the member is postured in.
Now that said, I can't say that I haven't seen commanders change peoples bands so they don't deploy or people go to medical with the intent of not getting cleared.
Now that said, I can't say that I haven't seen commanders change peoples bands so they don't deploy or people go to medical with the intent of not getting cleared.
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Doing more with less is something we all learn to do at some point in our lives. Military or civilian. It makes us more efficient leaders in the end. The military isn't a 'comfortable' place to work by design. My advice to this author...Show some leadership within your unit and do all you can to meet the mission requirements. All we can do is our best, keep a positive attitude and work as a team to get there. It's incredible how far one person's positive outlook will go for a whole team. What do you guys think? CPT Aaron Kletzing Maj (Join to see) Maj (Join to see) Col (Join to see) SFC Mark Merino.
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SSgt Clayton Coleman
There is a difference between knuckling down and working through hard times, and taking mission essential personnel away from the mission. If you want to save money, get rid of some of the nonners who could be replaced by an app. Who shutdown for "training days" to go to IHOP, and don't even do shift work to facilitate better customer response and service.
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SSgt Josh Fritz
Well said, Capt Brandon Charters. A positive attitude is the difference between a good leader and an exceptional leader.
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Ya'll need some different perspective here. From what I'm reading, no where is this individual complaining about me, me, me, give me more. Personally, I think this OP hit the hammer on the nail for the whole military. The military institution is being treated like it's a Fortune 500 company, it is constantly compared to them. But last time I checked, the military hasn't turned a dime of profit ever.
The OP's claims about spreadsheet leadership is dead on. We spend so much time on drugs and alcohol and sex and trafficking and dental and a flu shot and making sure no one is getting boo-boos or hurt feelings, and frankly, it is god damn annoying. I understand the importance of these things, I really do, but there comes a point when you've listened to the exact same spiel, nearly word for word, for 6 years in a row and you just don't care anymore.
The OP's claims about spreadsheet leadership is dead on. We spend so much time on drugs and alcohol and sex and trafficking and dental and a flu shot and making sure no one is getting boo-boos or hurt feelings, and frankly, it is god damn annoying. I understand the importance of these things, I really do, but there comes a point when you've listened to the exact same spiel, nearly word for word, for 6 years in a row and you just don't care anymore.
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I got out in 2009 mainly because it wasnt as good of an organization as it use to be. I loved the airforce in my early days but as time progressed it turned into the babyforce and we were all professional babysitters. Junior NCO's were more respected then in about 2006 is when the pissing began. Airmen e-1 thru e-4 had more stroke than a e-5.
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TSgt (Join to see)
In my 30 Years I have seen a defined shift, Things are sure different then when i first joined. Not sure when or how it all changed, but i have noticed a "ME" factor that I do not like. It seems to be all about getting rank, no matter the cost. Leaves for poor decisions, and bad managers.
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Would love to have some more background on the Airman that wrote this. Like what job do they do, how many of the folks they speak for do not have the means to accomplish the mission and how their leadership is letting them down specifically? Because if they are under the impression that SARC and other programs are to save some one from statistics they could be more wrong. Programs like SARC are to educate and prevent future occurrences because they are WRONG. With education no one can say "I didn't know".
Have there been some changes in the AF since I came in that I don't agree with, sure. But I love to put on the uniform everyday and am still fired up to be around Airmen everyday. If that changes for others or they don't have the same feelings then their best bet is to leave the AF. Because change is the only constant and if you can't find your own way in those changes then you are never going to like where ever the AF is going.
Have there been some changes in the AF since I came in that I don't agree with, sure. But I love to put on the uniform everyday and am still fired up to be around Airmen everyday. If that changes for others or they don't have the same feelings then their best bet is to leave the AF. Because change is the only constant and if you can't find your own way in those changes then you are never going to like where ever the AF is going.
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Lot of valid points made out there. Let me just say that having recently retired after 26 years as a SMSgt, the Air Force I loved and made my life started dying about 8 or 9 years ago. The old guys who are complaining about what the young guys are saying have pretty short memories, and the young guys who think they are wise enough to opine as if they were old guys don't yet get it. Lots of things wrong in the AF and the world. What ya goin' to do about it? Writing opinions here doesn't cut it. Make a difference or shut up and let somebody else legitimately earn the right to complain.
SMSgt B.A.G. (Ret)
SMSgt B.A.G. (Ret)
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Let me focus on the question: "Ever read REDDIT?"
Yes. StumbleUpon, too. Both are excellent resources for finding links to webpages that you didn't know you were looking for. They allow you to "surf" the World Wide Web looking for things that appeal to your areas of general interest, and I have stumbled on many interesting pages using them.
Now, as to the subtext of your post, I think that the US is sadly lacking in any clear direction for its defense. Of course, my bias is firmly based on my distrust of all who now serve in the District of Calamity. It seems that those mentioned share my viewpoint.
Yes. StumbleUpon, too. Both are excellent resources for finding links to webpages that you didn't know you were looking for. They allow you to "surf" the World Wide Web looking for things that appeal to your areas of general interest, and I have stumbled on many interesting pages using them.
Now, as to the subtext of your post, I think that the US is sadly lacking in any clear direction for its defense. Of course, my bias is firmly based on my distrust of all who now serve in the District of Calamity. It seems that those mentioned share my viewpoint.
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I've been in 8 years going on 9 and have noticed drastic change, but there are a couple obvious things to point out. If you don't like the job you have, get out after the enlistment or just retrain if you have the chance. No one likes CBT's, and all the training we have to do, but the Air Force has obviously encountered things it must do to show the public eye and its personnel its trying to fix them, even if we think its a dumb idea. 3rd, NO ONE put a gun to your head and made you sign that dotted line, you knew what you were getting into and if you didn't, that's bad on you for not doing the research. I have worked in maintenance and have my complaints and gripes like we all do, but the thing about it is we receive a paycheck, have a job to do, take care of each other and move on. Not saying to not complain and all that, its good to vent, but be careful how you do it and realize at the end of the day, your paid to do a job
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TSgt Joshua Copeland Where the heck do find time to find this stuff? LOL
So that is basically a free-range blog site? Wow, some of the things I read there...
So that is basically a free-range blog site? Wow, some of the things I read there...
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TSgt Joshua Copeland
CMSgt James Nolan , I am an IT guy by trade. It is good to keep an eye out on how the young folks complain about and view things.
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CMSgt James Nolan
TSgt Joshua Copeland It all makes sense now (hahaha). I am a knuckle dragger, and so are most of my guys. They b*tch out loud. (kidding of course because not implying that they are not bright) Pretty easy to tell when they are fired up.
You are 100% spot on though. Great to know what the younger troops think. Because it is not in the same ball park as what I tend to think. I joined 30 years ago, and now have worked with guys who have retired-and their sons are now TSgts.....
Different worlds, but in order to be an effective leader, you have to be able to get it.
You are 100% spot on though. Great to know what the younger troops think. Because it is not in the same ball park as what I tend to think. I joined 30 years ago, and now have worked with guys who have retired-and their sons are now TSgts.....
Different worlds, but in order to be an effective leader, you have to be able to get it.
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First! E5 and up should be properly explaining and answering questions to support our new Airman. In approximately 2 years I hope to see a big change. The idea of "do more with less" was our rallying cry to build teamwork and have a common cause to rally around. Near the end of September I would work with the command staff and we would figure out the funds available going into the next fiscal year. Each of our flights would submit a prioritized list of items directly related to beter accomplishing their mission. Items were then chosen by a squadron board determining input and a final yes or no from the commander. I always questioned why don't be just return it to the DOD budget. It was explained to me like this. Alll year we have worked very hard and like a family we have a budget to operate with. So we purchase spare parts and maintain vehicles and facilities. We make sure we don't go over our budget. Not a good thing for a commander to ask the wing commander for funds too purchase spares or vehicle parts etc. So if you and your "family" flight watched your budget you should have excess funds at years end. WOW. Now you have a chance to purchase new training aids for CATM training. Maybe you need a new tire cage for safely working truck split rim tires. The list goes on. So giving the money back will not get you the new equipment you need. I saw it as a gift for working smarter doring the year. It is up to any airman to professionally ask your supervisor , section supervisor or shop chief for a more clear explanation to your questions. I went through times of near shutdown due to budget cuts from our congress. I taught the airlift of hazardous material and could not purchase the correct number of AF instructions nor could I keep enough supplies for other corses that we taught. So we found other ways to do our job. The event that turned our AF around at the time was the election of a republican president. President Reagan. So the cycle continues.
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