Cyberspace, accountability are issues in new AF mission

Published Oct. 24, 2008
By Senior Airman Erica Stewart
39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- The Air Force has seen many changes since 1947, such as the conversion of several joint commands, the creation of cyberwarfare and the use of unmanned systems capable of long-range reconnaissance.

The new mission statement of the United States Air Force is "to fly, fight and win ... in air, space and cyberspace."

For Chief Master Sgt. Robert Ellis, 39th Air Base Wing command chief, change is something Airmen take for granted everyday.

"I can remember being a first-term enlistee in 1984 and needing to look up an Air Force Regulation," said Chief Ellis. "I had to go to an actual library and thumb through pages myself."

With the Air Force continuously evolving, changes such as these are the foundation of the Air Force's decision to update its mission statement.

The statement incorporates the new concept of cyberspace, which the Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley and United States Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz define as a crucial aspect in continuing to be the world's greatest air and space force.

According to a joint SECAF and CSAF message regarding the mission statement and priorities, "The mission statement also conveys our responsibility, along with other services and agencies, to develop capabilities for the warfighting domain of cyberspace."

Along with stressing developing cyberspace capabilities, the mission statement communicates Airmen's accountability and leadership responsibilities.

"Leadership equals influence, which allows you to be a compelling force," said Chief Ellis. "Master your craft, study leadership and challenge each other."

Chief Ellis believes accountability will help Airmen attain a high degree of excellence.

"Holding Incirlik members accountable can be as simple as making sure wingmen don't allow co-workers to leave their common access card unattended," said Chief Ellis.

Some believe the Air Force's mission statement will continue to transform just like Air Force technology.

"This mission statement tells us where to set our sights as we look toward the future of our Air Force," said Chief Ellis.

Finally, Incirlik's command chief defines standards of the Air Forces modern joint functional environment.

These standards explicitly highlight the Air Force's ability and willingness to embrace change while solidifying its place as the world's greatest air and space force, said Chief Ellis.