Talk Straight

The new Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. Norton Schwartz, swore to “share the load and communicate openly on every decision that we face” when he addressed the National Guard Association of the United States Conference in Baltimore Sept. 22. Schwartz emphasized the need for the Guard to work with the active force to employ “new and innovative solutions for the future,” including embracing new non-flying missions. He said: “What we have to do is figure out how to get the most productivity. Replicating what we currently do doesn’t make sense.” Schwartz also exhorted the Guard to encourage “people who deliver on their promises, talk straight, and who are looking for solutions,” because the Total Force mission is “about defending our nation, and we will play whatever role is necessary.” (Baltimore report by TSgt. Nick Choy)