Frontline Views of the Chiefs Panel

A Strategic Space and Defense signature panel, “Frontline Views of the Chiefs,” was moderated by Chief Master Sgt. Thomas S. Narofsky, USAF, command chief master sergeant, U.S. Strategic Command, with panelists Chief Master Sgt. Ken McQuiston, USAF, command senior enlisted leader, United States Transportation Command; Command Sgt. Maj. David Roper, USA, command sergeant major, National Security Agency & JFCC-Network Warfare; and Chief Master Sgt. Todd Small, USAF, command chief, Air Force Space Command.

The panel provided a change of pace as conference attendees heard many specific examples of space systems used on the battlefield and the exceptional work of the talented men and women serving in our armed forces. One example was how GPS allows supplies to be dropped to within an area half the size of the conference auditorium’s stage on a mountainside in Afghanistan. A combination of GPS and radio frequency identification makes it possible to track material and equipment as they are transported in convoys along the highways on the other side of the world. Reference was made to the “Year of Leadership” program Air Force Space Command initiated, which asks field commanders to set aside one day a week to get out and connect with airmen. In addition, the chiefs said there are efforts to remove the bias against personnel who consistently serve in positions located within the United States. The intention is to create a system in which an airman’s value and career prospects are not judged by his or her proximity to the fight. This will help build an experienced cadre capable of operating systems such as UAVs from remote locations.

This article is part of Space Watch: October 2008 (Volume: 7, Issue: 10).