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View from the Top: Looking back, looking forward

  • Published
  • By Gen. William R. Looney III
  • Air Education and Training Command commander
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AETCNS) --  By any measure, 2005 was a memorable year ... a year marked by unprecedented disasters, excruciating sacrifices, and dramatic aspirations for peace, freedom and dignity.

The world mourned the passing of prominent figures such as Pope John Paul II, Rosa Parks and Simon Wiesenthal. Among the honored American dead in the Global War on Terrorism, we laid to rest one of our own, Airman First Class Elizabeth N. Jacobson.

Reminding us of the need to remain vigilant in the GWOT, in 2005, the forces of violent extremism struck again -- in London and then in Jordan. In addition to this man-made scourge, we witnessed natural disasters that defied imagination, from the horrible destruction wrought by the Asian tsunami and South Asian earthquake to the painful images of our own people suffering in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

In the midst of these gut-wrenching tragedies, we were privileged as Airmen to join countless others in saving lives, providing comfort and offering hope. Other stories of heroism shone brightly throughout the turbulent year.

As a result of their Orange Revolution, the people of Ukraine won a victory for democratic principles and the rule of law. The crew of the Space Shuttle Discovery returned to space. And in just a single year, the people of Iraq elected a Transitional National Assembly, ratified a constitution and elected their first permanent government since the toppling of Saddam Hussein. Likewise, the people of Afghanistan inaugurated their first elected parliament in more than three decades.

Of course, we can't forget the brave American servicemen and women who made these monumental events possible.

As it was with the rest of the world, 2005 was a landmark year for the First Command. We faced a number of challenges and achieved tremendous success as we fulfilled our mission to develop America's Airmen today for tomorrow. Our recruiters nimbly shifted operations to help the Air Force meet our congressionally mandated end-strength, bringing on 20,000 new enlisted and officer personnel in the process.

In addition to graduating nearly 22,000 enlisted members, we initiated a profound shift in the way we conduct Basic Military Training. BMT resequenced its schedule to mirror the AEF cycle and provide more readiness and combat skills training to our new enlisted Airmen.

Executing the Air Force's largest flying program, 19th Air Force organizations flew nearly 560,000 hours to graduate more than 20,000 aircrew members. We've nearly completed our seamless conversion to the T-6A and the T-38C, and the First Command made it possible for Air Combat Command to declare initial operational capability for the F-22A Raptor.

In the arena of initial and advanced skills training, 2nd Air Force and our technical training units graduated nearly 190,000 students.

Finally, Air University provided military, continuing and academic education to 179,000 graduates via residence and distance learning programs.

Bottom line, the First Command recruited, trained and educated 432,000 Airmen last year. Just for some perspective, think of everyone who attended this year's Rose Bowl--then quadruple that number. That's how many Airmen we developed for our Air Force and the joint warfighter in 2005. We did it while deploying 3,822 AETC Airmen to fight the GWOT. We did it while responding to and recovering from the worst natural disaster in the history of our country.

Looking back, I'm amazed by what we've accomplished. Looking forward, I'm more optimistic than ever. The First Command has a strong strategy for the future. We're going to continue to develop America's Airmen by delivering a highly qualified, expeditionary focused force, by quickly responding to the needs of gaining commanders and by championing the Air Force story.

We'll concentrate our talent, energy and resources through programs and initiatives that deliver measurable payback in recruiting, training and educating our force. And we'll continue to strengthen our foundation -- our people. By developing and supporting our people, we'll not only accomplish our mission, we'll make AETC the Air Force's "command of choice."

Thank you for your commitment and sacrifice as we continue to deliver unrivaled education and training to the greatest Air and Space Force the world has ever seen. And thank you for your integrity, service and excellence in defending the precious people and values of the United States of America. I can think of no greater calling ... no greater privilege ... no greater reward. This year is going to be great for AETC, the Air Force and the Nation. Marilyn and I hope 2006 is great for you and your family, too!