AFSOC Command Chief visits 353rd SOG Published Nov. 1, 2007 By Master Sgt. Marilyn Holliday 353rd Special Operations Group Public Affairs KADENA AB, Japan -- The Air Force Special Operations Command command chief master sergeant visited the 353rd Special Operations Group here Oct. 12-20. Chief Master Sgt. Michael Gilbert toured each squadron within the group, learning more about its role in the Pacific, while answering questions about the future of AFSOC and the Air Force. This was the chief's second visit to Kadena this year. "There's no doubt we are in a growth industry - Special Operations Forces in general, and certainly in the air component of Special Operations Command," he said. "On Oct. 1, we doubled our number of active-duty wings in AFSOC, with the standup of the 27th Special Operations Wing at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. In our world we anticipate growth both in personnel and in aircraft and I expect that growth will continue for some time given what we bring to the table." He also voiced his views on the Air Force's aircraft recapitalization program. "In the long term, our ability to do what we are charged to do by our national leadership is entirely dependent upon us recapitalizing our fleet," he said. "Guts and determination are important, but will only get you so far. Our future success will be largely determined by leveraging improved technological capabilities and fielding fresh, more capable aircraft." The chief also praised the work of the 750 members of the 353rd SOG. "The 353rd is doing critical work with our coalition partners in the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and other countries in the Pacific," he said. "All of these relationships are crucial to peace and stability in the Pacific rim." The chief also commented on the professionalism of Airmen, saying that Airmen in general approach problems differently than other people. "Of course, I'm particularly proud of AFSOC Airmen, in that when presented with a problem or challenge, the noise from the crowd will be several courses of action for getting the job done," he said. "You are not going to hear reasons why you can't do it. The challenge for us as leaders, is to hear and figure out which course of action will best get us there." Chief Gilbert explained that the senior enlisted force has an incredible responsibility when supervising and mentoring. "Be worthy of leading the young Airmen that we are giving you," the chief said. "This is a serious business, sometimes life and death, and we have to hold people to high standards. But, if all we're doing is holding Airmen to high standards we're only doing half the job. It's when we're inspiring Airmen to exceed high standards through there own hard work and integrity that we've got it right. There's a big difference." The chief stressed that years into today's war, there are significant differences in Air Force training and readiness. "There's no doubt we have the most combat experienced, combat ready Air Force that we've ever had," he said. "We've got incredibly talented NCOs and young officers running our key training programs. Airmen coming through the pipeline today are not just learning theory, they're learning from warriors who were just out in the fight, looking the enemy in the eye." When asked what words of wisdom he would pass on to new Air Force recruits, the chief sung high praises. "Thanks for joining our Air Force at a time of war," he said. "You knew what you were getting into. You're here to serve and we're going to give you that opportunity. Be ready."