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Kansas Air National Guard hosts ANG Command Chief

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman John Hillier
  • Air National Guard Readiness Center Public Affairs
The Air National Guard Command Chief visited the 190th Air Refueling Wing at Forbes Field Air National Guard Base, Topeka, Kansas, and the 184th Intelligence Wing at McConnell Air Force Base here Sept. 6-7.

Chief Master Sgt. James W. Hotaling took time during the visit to speak with both wing's junior enlisted Airmen during enlisted all calls.

"We are entering into a new era of warfare and you're going to be on the leading edge of that," Hotaling said. "We like to say that the Air National Guard is the first choice for homeland operations; you prove that here in Kansas. And you have enduring voices in the community and partnerships overseas. You're a great partner in this community for sure."

Airmen were given the opportunity to interact with Chief Hotaling and ask him any questions they had about the Air Force and the Air National Guard. Hotaling discussed his key focus areas that include the renewing of the commitment to the profession of arms, the health of the force, and recognizing and embracing the accomplishments of Airmen.

Renewing of the commitment to the profession of arms includes the Air Force core values, focus on performance and training, and education requirements. A part of the profession of arms includes leadership, mentorship, and supervision as well as the deliberate development of Airmen. Hotaling discussed Air Force Instruction 36-2618, the Enlisted Force Structure, also known as the "Little Brown Book" and the importance it has to the career of every Airmen.

Other topics included the health of the force. Resiliency was a part of the discussion, which included mental, physical, social and spiritual aspects. As part of the health of the force, Hotaling discussed the importance of sexual assault prevention and response. Focus on safety and employment of new technologies round out the discussion on health of the force.

Recognizing and embracing Airmen's accomplishments was also on Hotaling's mind during the all call. Telling Airmen's stories and recognizing them both informally and formally is important.

According to Hotaling, each Airman has a part and fits into the Total Force mission.