12 - RAF Lakenheath - Air Force Link

Jet48CommandersForumBy Brig Gen Robert P. Steel48th Fighter Wing CommanderAs most of you know, our armed forces areundergoing a significant transformation. We aretransitioning from an in-garrison, Cold Wareraforce to an expeditionary force ready togo anywhere at anytime.While undergoing this transition, we arealso recapitalizing our resources, or improvingwhat we have. Recapitalization helpsus maintain our technological superiority,which is an important part of maintainingour combat edge. The Liberty Winghas been leading the charge in thisarena.However, maintaining our technologicalsuperiority is not the only piece ofthe pie.Intellectual superiority is also key. I am proudto say that we are also carrying the torch in this arena.Just last week, I attended an academic recognition ceremonyin which nearly 80 folks from the Liberty Community received theiracademic degree.ACTION LINEMany of these graduates earned their degrees either through theCommunity College of the Air Force or through civilian institutionsby taking advantage of our 100-percent tuition assistance program.By taking advantage of these programs and pursuing their academicdegrees, these folks are doing their part to enhance ouredge.Our Air Force leadership has recognized theimportance of an educated force, and the impact ofmaintaining our intellectual superiority. In a recentLetter to the Airmen, the Secretary of the Air Forcesaid, “We must … be relentless in our continuedpursuit to become knowledge-enabled Airmen.”Their emphasis has become apparent througha host of changes to Air Force policy. Forexample, officers will see cultural and languageclasses added to their curriculum, andnew recruits will spend two and a half moreweeks at Basic Military Training.As we continue transforming into a lighter,leaner force we must also improve on our most criticalresource: our people. Having an educated force is animportant part of this process. Therefore, I encourage you tocontinue pursuing academic degrees, because in the words of ourSecretary, “Your continued education will help keep our countrystrong for decades to come.”The Action Line is your direct link to me for complaints, suggestions orcomments. It’s not intended to replace the chain of command. When normalcommand agency channels haven’t been able to resolve your concerns, call226-2324, fax 226-5637, e-mail (Action.Line@lakenheath.af.mil), sendthrough distribution (48 FW/PA), mail (48FW/PA, Unit 5210 Box 215 APOAE 09461-0215) or hand carry your Action Line to the public affairs office(Building 1085). You may remain anonymous; however, to receive a reply,please leave your name, unit, duty or home phone number and full APO mailingaddress. Names are confidential.PAGE 4 JET 48 MAGAZINEMAY 12, 2006