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Show 2 COMMENTARY I Id'top TIMES May 31, 2012 A TIME Hilltop Times Editorial Staff: Lee Carter ... Standard-Examiner publisher Mary Lou Gorny Hilltop Times Editor Katina L. Ventura Hilltop Times Writer Krista Starker Hilltop Times Correspondent Deadlines: Editorial and news items are due by noon on the Friday prior to the Thursday print date. To submit news items e-mail hilltoptimes@standard.net or call 801- 625-4273. For Classified Advertising, call 801-625-4300. For Retail Advertising, call 801-625-4388. The Hilltop Times is published by Ogden Publishing Corp., a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under, and in compliance with, a Memorandum of Understanding with Hill Air Force Base. The content of the Hilltop Times does not necessarily represent the views of, nor is it endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or Hill Air Force Base (collectively, the Government). 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Increased diversity, cyberspace AFMC command chief reflects highlight Hoffman's 42-year career on 30-year career 'adventure' By BRIAN BRACKENS Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs W RIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio — In the past three and a half years, he's overseen the reorganization of the Air Force's most complex and diverse command, managed some of the most drastic budget reductions in the service's history and been a champion of energy conservation. Gen. Donald Hoffman's Gen. Hoffman tenure as commander of Air Force Materiel Command has been anything but normal, if there is a norm for someone who leads a worldwide organization of 83,000 people. But after 42 years, Hoffman will relinquish command of AFMC and retire following a June 5 change of command ceremony. In November 2008, Hoffman assumed the top position for the cornmand responsible for the research and development, acquisition, test and sustainment of the Air Force's current and future weapon systems. In response to a Department of Defense call for more efficient use of tax dollars, Hoffman presided over the restructure of AFMC — the most radical change to the organization in its 20-year history. Upon completion of the reorganization, AFMC will shrink from 12 centers to five, cutting overhead and eliminating layers of management while standardizing processes across the command. The planned reorganization will reach initial operation capability in October 2012 and become fully operational during the summer of 2013. In a recent interview, Hoffman reflected on his time spent in the Air Force, during which he witnessed much change. Q: How does the Air Force of today compare to the one you entered in 1970? HAWC Nest Fitness Tip from the Health and Wellness Canter Up to 12 weeks of FREE tobacco cessation medication is available to federal employees and up to 6 months is available for active duty, dependents and retirees when attending the tobacco cessation series. Call the Health and Wellness Center at 801-777-1215 for further information. A: A major difference has been the acceptance of diversity on many fronts. When I first arrived at the cadet area of the Air Force Academy in 1970, there was a huge sign that said "Bring me men." So to be succeeded in command by the first female four star of the Air Force is truly a legacy of this time period. Diversity is important so that all members of the Air Force, no matter their background, beliefs or gender can feel that they are part of a team that embraces their strengths. Hill's Last DUI: Watt 26 Unit Involved: 3rra i4e/trizajt `Victiateactace Squaditaa Airmen Against Drinking and Driving provide rides when designated drivers are unavailable. Call 777-1111 to request a ride anytime. Hours of operation: Fridays-Saturdays 10 p.m.- 6 a.m. Sundays 9 p.m.-midnight. A: We fought and won the Cold War, we leveraged technology in how we fight, and we introduced the notion of cyber. The pervasiveness of computers in our lives and in war fighting has been significant throughout my career. Q: What are some of the challenges you've faced during your time here at AFMC? A: One of the challenges was the two reorganizations we've gone through. By nature I am not a reorganizer. I usually accept organizations that I'm part of for what they are and optimize within the system that exists. But we were faced with circumstances that forced change, and we had to adapt. Q: What will you miss most about the Air Force? A: I will miss the people and the ability to be able to work in an organization where you start off with the premise that you immediately trust each other. You see someone in the Air Force and unless proven otherwise, you immediately trust them. Hypothetically, if I were at a grocery store with my kids and one of them jumped out of a cart and hit themselves on the head and had to be rushed to the hospital, and I didn't have time to worry about both children but I saw a staff sergeant in uniform shopping — I would have no reservations taking that child and giving it to that staff sergeant and saying, "Watch my child, I'm going to the hospital." I would know that that person would care for that child and repatriate them. You wouldn't do that to anybody in a grocery store. But I identified that person as a member of the Air Force who is totally reliable — someone I can trust sight unseen, without even knowing them. That's what I will miss. That sense of community and mutual trust. Q: Is there anything you would like to add? A: It has been my good fortune to be part of the best Air Force in the world for 42 years. It was the best Air Force in the world when I joined it. It's smaller now, its missions have changed somewhat now, but it is still the best Air Force in the world, and I have total confidence that those who follow me will keep it the best Air Force in the world. I lose no sleep whatsoever on the quality of leadership that the Air Force has today and will continue to have. A iqd 777-7000 action.line.pa@hill.af.mil THINK SAFETY Hill's Total 2012 DUIs: 8 Q: What are some of the significant events that occurred during your career? Phone numbers 4 The base agencies listed can be contacted directly if you have a complaint or a problem with their services: Security Forces 24-hr. Crisis Information Force Support Squadron Base Restaurants Retirement/Compensation 777-3056 777-3056 777-4134 777-2043 777-6142 (civilian) Equal Opportunity Office Employer Relations Military Pay Civilian Pay Air Force Suggestion Program Hill Straight Talk IG Complaints 777-5455 777-7129 777-1851 777-6246 777-6901 777-9696 777-5305 (for appointment) IG Complaints 777-5361 (after hours) Fraud, Waste or Abuse 777-5361 (recording) Loud Noise (complaints) 75th Medical Group Civil Engineering Hill Pride Hotline Public Affairs Military Housing Maintenance Safety Office 1-877-885-9595 777-4918 777-1856 777-7433 777-5333 825-9392 777-3333 SUICIDE PREVENTION ASSISTANCE Mental Health Clinic 777-7909 Chaplain 777-2106 Military OneSource (800) 342-9647 (800) 273-8255 National Suicide Prevention Line TriWest Crisis Line (866) 284-3743 TriWest Behavioral (866) 651-4970 Health Contact Center EAP (800) 222-0364 777-1163 Occupational Medicine Services Wingman Advocates 777-2255 Safety Office Hotline 586-9300 777-1985 Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (or) 777-1964 Union 777-3257 AFOSI Narcotics Hotline 777-1852 Family Assistance Center 777-3090 (when activated) BY JIM PALMER Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs W RIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio — Air Force Materiel Command's top enlisted sergeant will end his military career Thursday, June 1, bringing to a close a career that he says launched a "great adventure" around the world. Chief Master Sgt. Eric Jaren, AFMC's command chief, will say goodbye during a retirement ceremony at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. Gen. Donald Hoffman, AFMC commander, will preside over the ceremony scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. Air Force life came as a natural choice to Jaren since his father was part of the enlisted Chief Master Sgt. Jaren corps serving in the cryptographic career field. During his dad's career, the family moved from base to base, serving in 23 assignments in 23 years in places like Crete, Tripoli, Turkey and Washington state. He found he had an affinity for different cultures, an attribute Jaren thought served as a good foundation for his future Air Force career. After graduating from high school the chief and two of his friends joined the Air Force together. "I had an understanding of what the Air Force culture was," he said. "After high school two of my best friends and I enlisted together. We served together at Travis Air Force Base. After a few years we were assigned to different locations, but we still keep in touch to this day." Jaren started his career as an aircraft maintenance technician and progressed to a flight line supervisor in a C-5/141 squadron. In November 2004 he was promoted to chief master sergeant while serving as the superintendant of the 494th Aircraft Maintenance Unit at Lakenheath, United Kingdom. In December 2009 he was selected to become the command chief for the 72nd Air Base Wing at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. Having accepted the position at Tinker, another opportunity presented itself. "Out of the blue, I received a telephone call from General Hoffman's office that he wanted to interview me for the command chief's position here at AFMC," he said. "It was an exciting time. I did a video interview, and General Hoffman selected me for the position here in the headquarters." Jaren noted there have been many changes to the Air Force during his career but the changes with the most impact were the emergence of the digital world and the enlisted force becoming more professional. "All of the processes have changed. When I entered the Air Force we used punch cards, we didn't have computers in our offices. In the maintenance world, we did everything by written reports," Jaren said. "Airmen today use laptops that enhance their abilities in ways we would have never imagined." Secondly, I have seen our enlisted force go from blue collar to a professional force — professional education, professional technical training. Professional military education is the key; it has shaped our force in ways you can't imagine. The future of our enlisted force is bright and we will be called on to take more and more professional responsibilities." After 30 years of Air Force experience, the chief offered this advice for young Airmen. "First, you can't see farther down the road than you have traveled yourself, and do your best at whatever task is given you. How you tackle those duties will say so much about you," he said. "Be a part of the team because the team is greater than the individual. Finally, have the right attitude; attitude sets the tone for an organization and everyone around you. If you can do those three things, you will have a successful career." Jaren feels that professional military education in this new Air Force is paramount, and said that education equals mission success. He would like to see PME undertaken as an Airman progresses through the ranks earlier in his or her career. "Our enlisted core is so professional and our jobs are so technical, that we have to have the education and the training to succeed," he said. "We are going to have a smaller and more agile force, and that force is going to need the education and the training to accomplish the mission. The key to becoming more effective is professional military education, and in the future we need to align the education closer with each grade." As Jaren prepares to close the door on a very distinguished career, he shared a final thought for the men and women of AFMC. "Throughout a long career, I've learned it doesn't matter if you are enlisted, officer or civilian, and that being an Airman comes from the heart. I'm very proud to be associated with the professionals in the Air Force Materiel Command, and I leave knowing that younger, brighter more capable professionals are right behind me. I have great satisfaction knowing the future of the Air Force is secure." |