315th development council hosts general officers at open lunch

by Michael Dukes
315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

7/12/2014 - JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Members of the 315th Airlift Wing's Human Resources Development Committee hosted three general officers during an open lunch and learn session in the wing conference room July 12.

Maj. Gen. James N. Stewart, military executive officer for the Reserve Forces Policy Board, Office of the Secretary of Defense, told the group of about 30 wing members that he started his Air Force career here at Joint Base Charleston. "It's always a pleasure to come back home." Stewart spent 10 of his 37 years here in the Operations Group.

Stewart told the group that he works more at the strategic level, but he values being able to get out of the Pentagon to see how things are going at the tactical level "where the rubber meets the road."

The general discussed differences between active duty and reserve components, and how his office is working to help bridge the gap in communication on how both operate.

"Currently there are 34 duty statuses out there available for reservists and Air National Guardsmen," Stewart said. He admitted understanding how active duty components would not understand all the different needs and requirements of reservists.

"The reserve component makes up about 42 percent of the entire military," Stewart said. "And our active component does not always understand what we are doing. He added that if you were a CEO of a major company did not know what 42 percent of your people were doing, you wouldn't be around long."

"It's critical to educate those using the reservists about your value and contributions," the general said.

"The purpose of our visit today is to better understand how high level decisions are impacting you." Stewart said.

The other two visiting officers were Brig. Gen. Kimberly A. Crider is the Mobilization Assistant to the Chief, Information Dominance and Chief Information Officer, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force and Rear Adm. Eric Young, deputy chief of Navy Reserve.

The visiting senior leaders where here as part of the 315 AW's Junior Officer Leadership Development event taking place over the weekend where they were invited to be mentors to almost 60 lieutenants and captains from various AFRC locations.

Crider she seconded Stewart's mission to help standardize personnel processes among the active, reserve and guard components.

Young said that it didn't matter which branch of service it was, "you are the most valuable resource we have." And he pointed around the table.

After the three guests gave short presentations, they answered questions from the group.
Capt. Leanne Babcock, 38th Aerialport Squadron, asked if the three leaders felt the new feedback forms that just came out and if they thought they would help.

"We can't help our members get to where they need to be professionally without that feedback," Crider responded.

"If you are doing your job right as a leader, your people will understand where they are on a daily basis because you're working with them regularly and giving instant feedback," Stewart said. "But the form is important to help identify areas for growth if it's being used and used right."

"Honest feedback," Stewart added, "is the toughest thing to give as a supervisor. But it keeps them motivated while helping them to constantly improve."

Lt. Col. Bobby Degregorio, 315th Logistics Readiness Squadron commander. Asked why is it that [Air Reserve Technicians] are not eligible for TRICARE Select. Tech Sgt. Jon Dumont, 315th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron seconded the question.

Stewart's short answer was "That's something you know about when you sign up to be an ART. Each category has it's own strength and benefits."

"Ultimately it all comes down to cost," Stewart said. He then explained that when you start adding benefits to the different categories, it changes the cost equation that factors the value the Reserve brings to the table.

"I sympathize with you, but understand that when the Reserve cost goes up, it makes the Reserve component less of a bargain for the military and the public," Stewart added.