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AMC Command Chief speaks of change during Pope visit

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Todd Wivell
  • 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Physical Training tests, standards and uniforms along with changes in the new Airman Battle Uniform were some of the many topics Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Barron, Air Mobility Command Command Chief, discussed while visiting Pope from Jan. 19 through 21. 

Amidst the four inches of snow and unusually cold weather, Chief Barron continued on with his itinerary, meeting with Airmen for breakfast, touring some of the base facilities and interacting with as many Pope members as he could. All the while, he answered many questions thrown at him and passed on any information on changes he knew were coming down the road. 

"Some big changes coming in the near future will be to the PT testing and PT uniforms," said Chief Barron. "The Air Force currently held an Integrated Project Team meeting on this issue in Washington D.C., though the results of the IPT have not been released. I believe we will see a difference with the way we administer and manage both the program and testing." 

Chief Barron told many of those he interacted with how a recent Air Force audit showed how measurements for Air Force members taking the PT test were off by up to six inches. He said this was a hot topic with Air Force leadership and is being addressed for change in the near future. 

"Another change will be the PT uniform," said Chief Barron. "We heard what everyone said about the current uniform and we made the changes to include longer shorts, better material for the wind suit and the addition of an Air Force approved sweatshirt to match the uniform. 

"Request for changes in the new ABUs were heard from throughout the Air Force and changes are being made. Expect the new ABUs to be not as heavy, the ABU jacket will no longer have the pockets in the interior and expect more clothing sales to have more items in stock as we totally understand the supply and demand issue going on right now." 

As the chief toured the Combat Control School house, the Pope tower and the Airfield Systems and Radio Maintenance sections he had the chance to discuss other issues affecting the Air Force right now. 

"Even though the economy is bad right now, it is obviously helping us out," said Chief Barron. "Retention numbers are level and the economy is motivating those folks who are thinking about getting out reconsider the thought of staying in. These times definitely help with our recruiting efforts and those who do choose to get out actually help those who stay in get promoted, as promotion increases are based off of vacancies." 

Speaking of promotions, Chief Barron stated the key to getting promoted was to work hard at what you are doing today. "You will be rewarded for your hard work and efforts, do well in the current grade you hold now, continue with a higher education and be that exemplary Airman and it will all pay off in the end." 

Another issue the chief addressed was the transition of military positions into civilian ones. 

"There are a lot of cost savings and efficiencies by contracting work outside the government and in some cases converting military positions to civil service," said Chief Barron. "However since 9/11 we have become very critical on eliminating military positions due to the strain placed on our Airmen due to operations tempo and deployments. The less military 'blue suit' positions we have, the more frequently our Airmen would have to deploy." 

In the two and a half years since Chief Barron took over as AMC Command Chief he has seen much change at Pope. The one constant that he remains impressed with is the Air Force/Army teamwork and associate relationships. 

"I think we need to continue to take advantage of this opportunity being presented to us right here at Pope," said Chief Barron. "We can use each other's resources to continue and excel at our current operations tempo. Everyone working together makes sense and the combined effort has paid off in dividends." 

As the chief concluded his tour he wanted to stress how thankful he was of all of Team Pope. 

"I want to personally thank each and every Airman, NCO and officer for the job they do here at Pope," said Chief Barron. "We at AMC appreciate all you do and you continue to impress daily."