Former Chief of Staff of the USAF General (Ret) Norton Schwartz coming back for a Q&A on 2/28. What questions do you have for me?

Gen Norton Schwartz — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 16:46:20 -0500

From RP Staff: We’re honored to host former Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General (Ret) Norton Schwartz, for a Live Q&A at 3:00pm EST on 2/28/2017. The general will be joining us to share his thoughts on leadership, the state of the military, transition, and more. Please post your questions below in advance.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Feb 22 at 2017 5:03 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 17:03:41 -0500

Greetings General,

Thank you for your joining with us! I remember serving under your leadership and guidance. Reading through your bio, I have noticed that your background is in transport and special operations aircraft as opposed to being a fighter pilot like the other CoS. I was wondering if that created difficulties for you in during your tenure?

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Feb 24 at 2017 7:13 AM

SPC Erich Guenther — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 07:13:20 -0500

Thanks for taking our questions. A lot of Veterans also do work with Charity NGO's or Religious groups that do work overseas and are probably unaware of the USAF program that provides airlift on a space available basis to those organizations for providing overseas charity donations of equipment or material. I am just curious if you knew or had access to information on how well this program is used on number of requests made and number of requests fulfilled. I am just curious about this USAF program and how much it is used or if folks even know about it.

Response by Cpl David Beck made Feb 27 at 2017 11:25 AM

Cpl David Beck — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 11:25:31 -0500

General Schwartz Good Morning! Do you see in the near future the Air Force making CAPS a established command auxiliary where vets can get time adjusted for service under CAPS?

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Feb 27 at 2017 11:33 AM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 11:33:01 -0500

Good Morning Gen Norton Schwartz - thanks for joining us on RallyPoint for this Q&A. I have several questions, if you have the time to respond:
1. What is your opinion on the Generals that President Trump has brought on board his cabinet?
2. How do you feel about the new Secretary of the VA?
3. Do you think he can make a change in (4) years?
4. How are you enjoying retirement - do you miss the great men and women you served for and with?

Have a great day and thank you for your dedicated service to this country!

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Feb 27 at 2017 11:51 AM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 11:51:03 -0500

Gen Norton Schwartz:
It is a great honor, Sir; to have you with us here on Rally Point.
The question that I have for you, General, is: "How can we best improve today's Army?"
Also, General, what do you believe are the biggest issues today's Army is facing?
Thank you ever so kindly for your time, Sir!
May God eternally bless you; and I send you and yours my most fervent prayers.
-Most Sincerely, Margaret C Higgins, US Army (Ret)

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Feb 27 at 2017 11:57 AM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 11:57:57 -0500

CALLING ON RP MEMBERS AND CONNECTION - PLEASE TAKE A MINUTE TO REVIEW THIS RALLYPOINT Q&A POST WITH GEN NORTON SCHWARTZ.

GREAT OPPOTUNITUY TO ASK THE TOUGH & CURIOUS QUESTIONS.

THE RALLYPOINT FORUM CONTINUES TO PROIVDE THESE OPPORTUNITIES TO ALL OF OUR VETERANS, SERVICE MEMBERS, RETIREES, CIVILIAN RECRUITERS, CIVILIAN SUPPORTERS, AND FAMILY MEMBERS TO REACH OUT & ASK QUESTIONS TO FORMER LEADERS OF OUR COUNTRY. PARTICIPATION IS NEEDED TO KEEP THIS TYPE OF FORUM MOVING FORWARD.

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Response by A1C Cathy Valentine made Feb 27 at 2017 12:44 PM

A1C Cathy Valentine — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 12:44:51 -0500

Thank you for your time and interest in the thoughts and questions of today's military force. I was wondering what your thoughts on immigrants (age appropriate) having to mandatorily serve to become a citizen? Once they have served, I feel they are more likely to feel invested in this country.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Feb 27 at 2017 12:46 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 12:46:37 -0500

How do you feel about the new VA director? Do you think he'll be able to clean up the mess created by the previous individual?

Response by PO1 Kevin Arnold made Feb 27 at 2017 1:13 PM

PO1 Kevin Arnold — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 13:13:26 -0500

Is anything changing regarding pay for those that have retired or currently receiving VA benefits? With Donald Trump in office I am worried about anyone who has already served lossing what they had worked so hard or sacrificed to get.

Response by Sgt William Biggs made Feb 27 at 2017 1:29 PM

Sgt William Biggs — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 13:29:08 -0500

Considering the propensity for the US to engage in prolonged warfare, how do we meet the threat of ISIS, destroy it, and do it without a 15 year boots on the ground presence? I believe the American people to be rather war-weary at this point and a financially conservative, expedited operation is the only thing Americans will accept publicly.

Would this require a complete revamp of the military, dedication to special forces operations, or a technological overhaul?

Response by SPC Douglas Bolton made Feb 27 at 2017 1:33 PM

SPC Douglas Bolton — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 13:33:32 -0500

Another great idea COL Mikel J. Burroughs Gen Norton Schwartz Now that you can look back, what was the best of what happened, and the worst that happened while you were Chief of Staff?

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Feb 27 at 2017 1:42 PM

Capt Brandon Charters — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 13:42:16 -0500

Gen Norton Schwartz - Thanks for joining us again.
Knowing I have many USAF pilot friends looking to transition to the airlines in the next 3-6 months, I'd like to ask this question on their behalf. Beyond pay bonuses, what do think would help the USAF retain more of their highly skilled pilots?

Response by TSgt David L. made Feb 27 at 2017 1:59 PM

TSgt David L. — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 13:59:59 -0500

No question Sir, I just wanted to thank you for your excellent service and dedication to our Air Force. V/R Dave

Response by CPT Gary Jugenheimer made Feb 27 at 2017 2:01 PM

CPT Gary Jugenheimer — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 14:01:48 -0500

General Schwartz....Do we really need a new F35 aircraft....could we not be just as efficient by updating the current F16?....Gary

Response by SPC Tyrone Talbot made Feb 27 at 2017 4:38 PM

SPC Tyrone Talbot — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 16:38:12 -0500

Gen. Schwartz,
Do you think that the 10% propose budget increase for military spending is warranted and if so where you think such funds should be utilized? Also, do you think it would be better to propose Congress pass a 3.7% pay increase across the board for the military?

Response by LTC Wayne Brandon made Feb 27 at 2017 7:22 PM

LTC Wayne Brandon — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 19:22:19 -0500

Thank you for joining us at RP, Sir - it is an honor to have you share your valuable time with us.
My question is directed at the massive price reduction by producers of the next order for fighters to be filled at nearly a billion dollars (about $ 740 million as I recall) less than the last order for the same aircraft. Should we be concerned that there will be a corresponding compromise in any aspect of the quality or a reduction in various features of the replacements?
If not, are we then to believe that the government was overcharged for the preceding order?
Or, perhaps there is another way to view all of this that has not occurred to me and if you would, please share that view point with us.
Thank you in advance for your reply.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2017 9:26 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 21:26:34 -0500

Evening General Sir,
In the Civil Affairs community there are many concerns about the change of strategic philosophy from the asimetric battlefield ( a battle we have yet to win), back to a " linear concept".
Three main concerns I have with that approach:
1. It does not work. CA was never designed to be a long-term solution to be rotated for a year like the average USAR unit.
2. Maneuver CDRs in the field are reluctant / do not understand the concept Civil-Military operations and remain focused in their own immediate goal " roll them up with overwhelming force, win, go home". Has not worked yet except in the early years of OEF, when SOCOM had OPCON of theater.
3. It is always said that the CA concept has to "be sold" to the maneuver CDR for him to understand the value to his operations as a force multiplier. After 15 years, we are all still fighting the battle. The mentality has not changed.
Would we not be better off under direct Command of an entity that understands the purpose of Civil Affairs ?

Do you see a future re-integration / non of USAR Civil Affairs forces back under the USASOC umbrella, or are we doomed to continue to rot under USARC misallocation to units that
a. Are focused on THEIR mission, their unit and see many enablers as an "intrusion" to be entertained
b. Fail/ refuse to understand that CA is there to support THEM, not ourselves

Rather than spend the better part of a deployment cycle trying to convince someone that you ARE part of their team, there to support THEIR mission, why not instead be allocated to units that actually understand the task and purpose that CMO was created for ?

Thank you Sir for taking the time to read this question.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Feb 27 at 2017 10:51 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 22:51:47 -0500

Gen Norton Schwartz- Sir, what aspects would be easier (and harder) with being Chief of Staff of the AF today, compared to when you were serving in that role?

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Feb 27 at 2017 10:54 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 22:54:00 -0500

Gen Norton Schwartz- can you share with us the story of how you first learned that you were being chosen to be Chief of Staff of the Air Force? How did you find out?

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Feb 27 at 2017 10:55 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 22:55:17 -0500

Gen Norton Schwartz- during your career, did you ever hit any points in time where you were very close to just saying the heck with it, and getting out of the military? What led you to stay in and keep serving? What advice would you have for others in that situation right now?

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Feb 27 at 2017 10:56 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 22:56:34 -0500

Gen Norton Schwartz- if you had not been chosen for Chief of Staff of the AF, which other 4-star job would you have most wanted to have in the AF, and why?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2017 6:03 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 06:03:36 -0500

Thank you for joining us sir!
My question to you sir, why do you think no Air Force General officers where selected for any cabinet positions in the new administration?

Response by SMSgt Roger Horton made Feb 28 at 2017 6:32 AM

SMSgt Roger Horton — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 06:32:38 -0500

I spent almost 40 years between active duty , reserves, and Air National Guard. While I was serving in reserve forces I also worked for DOD (Navy) for 44 years and during that time at the end of every fiscal year it was always the same. There is x amount of money left in the budget and if it is not spent, we will use it next year. The years I served in the Marines they turned unused budget back in. Why has DOD not halted this practice and why not offer incentives for saving money?

Response by Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM made Feb 28 at 2017 6:51 AM

Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 06:51:59 -0500

Thank you, Gen Norton Schwartz for your Time and Service to this Great Nation and joining the team here on RP. Sir to begin,
As a Civilian Supporter where do you believe 'Our Focus' should be to improve the transition to and from deployments? (health. education, welfare) What, if any Role does the Civilian play in leading the team through these transitions of active duty, deployments and return to civilian life? How may we Better Educate our communities on the Needs of our Military? And Finally Sir, if you could change anything,regarding the Military-Civilian relationship what would that be and why? Once, again Sir, Thank you. May God Bless and Protect you and your family. ~Sincerely, Kim

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Feb 28 at 2017 8:22 AM

SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 08:22:06 -0500

I served in the US ARMY FILD ARTILLERY for 20 year and I served under you in Desert Shield and Desert Storm under 1 AD out of Germany Pinder Brks. I was just a PVT out of basic training but the war turn my whole view on my future toward the US ARMY and where I am today as a veteran and retired. Thank you for your years of service Sir. KING OF BATTLE!

Response by 2LT David Phillips made Feb 28 at 2017 8:50 AM

2LT David Phillips — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 08:50:40 -0500

SOUTH CHINA SEA: Recently Missile Silos are being reported on the PRC's man-made Islands (Google "Spratly Islands" in Google Maps and it will take you right there.), which they have been building for some time. Whether its Air Defense or ICBMs, may be immaterial. The military buildup of an international shipping lane has people concerned that tensions could result in a conflagration in the region. When did the United States first learn what China was doing and why wasn't it stopped before it inevitably came to this point?
Second part of this question. North Korea recently, and very publicly carried out an assassination in another country. They possibly used a VX2 nerve agent. Such a substance could easily be used to perform mass casualty operations in what is normally considered a "safe place" - an international air port. How much influence could be exerted on China to speak to "little brother" so the world can be assured they won't go outside their own play-ground with their nasty little chemical weapons, again? Isn't there a rule about such things? Or can we expect that NK will continue to kill with impunity outside their boarders, and even grow more bold with other political targets they deem unworthy of life?

Response by MSG Bobby Ewing made Feb 28 at 2017 10:04 AM

MSG Bobby Ewing — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 10:04:00 -0500

Sir, what are your views for the US Armed Forces Future as a whole, in regards to our nation's current political state? What guidance would you give to Senior NCOs and Officers leading Service Members under the constraints of "Doing More with Less (Less Personnel)?"