AFSOC Commander Says Mission Completion is Paramount

Air Force Special Operations Command boss Lt. Gen. Brad Heithold outlined his priorities for his air commandos during a recent offsite in which he also emphasized the importance of the joint special operations mission. The key priorities are “providing combat ready forces,” transforming training “to optimize human performance,” and to “modernize and sustain the force,” Heithold said. But in recognition of the stress on the command from 13 years of continuous combat, Heithold said it’s also important “to create an environment for our airmen and families to thrive,” by building resiliency, providing time and predictability in their lives, improving command-wide assignment management, and ensuring promotion rates exceed Air Force averages. Heithold also stressed that “Total Force integration is a priority.” Throughout his message to the command, Heithold emphasized that they must always be ready to fulfill any assigned mission and to excel in everything they do. “Our air commandos are going to shoot more, fly more, and train harder than anybody” in the USAF, he said. “We will not settle for second place, status quo, or condone mediocrity.” Modernizing and sustaining the force will ensure the command has the needed tools, he said, because when the nation calls, “AFSOC must not fail. We will not fail.” (AFSOC release)