SecAF, CSAF, CMSAF present new "little blue book"

Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs / Published August 27, 2015

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS) -- Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody delivered the initial handout of the pamphlet, “America’s Air Force: A Profession of Arms,” Aug. 27 to the Air Force’s newest Airmen at Airmen’s Week.

The pamphlet represents the next evolution of the “little blue book,” and provides Airmen with instant access to the core guides, values, codes and creeds that guide Airmen in their service in the profession of arms.

“Our people are the greatest part of our Air Force and when America's sons and daughters chose to join our ranks, it is our responsibility to develop them into Airmen," James said. "As Airmen, we are charged with upholding a culture founded on professionalism, dignity and respect -- that's what our core values are about."

During the visit, Welsh explained the importance of professionalism to the Airmen.

"What's in this document is nothing new to Airmen, but is a reminder that service to one's country is no ordinary calling," Welsh said. "America holds us in high regard because of what we stand for: integrity, service and excellence. Those who wear this uniform should continuously reflect on our commitment to our nation and each other."

Welsh added that the core values are a commitment found in the oaths we take and are represented in large and small ways around our Air Force every day.

Cody explained the significance of the little blue book and stressed that content defines what is expected of Airmen.

"Today our all-volunteer professional force continues to build on the legacy of those men and women who came before us in our chosen Profession of Arms,” Cody said. “The professionalism of our force is unprecedented because of our commitment to service, a dedication to holding ourselves to higher standards, and an unyielding pursuit by Airmen to do better. Service in our Air Force is a higher calling and we carry this legacy forward for future generations of Airmen. This book is a guide to the meaning of service and the principles that make us so strong."

The original little blue book, "Air Force Core Values," has never been assigned an official publication number and differs from Air Force Instruction 1-1, “Air Force Standards,” which is a small printed book with a blue cover. The new pamphlet updates the original little blue book and is now owned by the Profession of Arms Center of Excellence.

The little blue book is available in a variety of formats. Airmen can download the PDF from the PACE website. The book is also available as a free mobile application on Android. PACE anticipates a free mobile application will be available for Apple devices in the near future. Airman can download the application to their devices by searching “little blue book” in the application store. Airmen will soon see a shortcut icon on their desktops that will link to a web application. This book is also available at Air Force e-Publishing and is linked under “Items of Interest,” as “Profession of Arms Handbook.”

PACE will have instructions on their website Aug. 27, explaining how units can order hard copies through the Defense Logistics Agency.

SecAF pays first visit to Ellsworth

by Senior Airman Hailey Staker
28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

7/22/2015 - ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James visited Ellsworth for the first time July 19 to 21, interacting with the men and women who make the 28th Bomb Wing a success.

During her trip, she explored several historic sites in the Black Hills, and toured various units across base, experiencing Ellsworth's mission and community firsthand.

"It is an enormous honor and privilege for me to be able to stand before you, and it is something I take very seriously when I get out and about around the country and the world to see our Air Force in action," James said.

While at Ellsworth she was able to fly in a B-1 bomber, where she observed one of its primary capabilities - close air support - which aviators from Ellsworth have been employing for nearly a decade in support of combatant commanders.

Highlights of the Secretary's visit included a tour of the 28th Medical Group, where she met with Airmen from many squadrons to receive briefings on programs and innovations, such as Cold Spray technology, a new process for repairing metals that has been utilized in Ellsworth's maintenance group for several years.

She also spent time with the 432nd Attack Squadron, and spoke on issues surrounding the remotely piloted aircraft community and how leaders are combating low retention rates and stressors.

James touched on these points and other related Air Force issues while addressing Ellsworth Airmen at an all-call Monday afternoon. She provided an update on Air Force policy changes and outlined her priorities as Secretary of the Air Force, followed by a question and answer session.

"The three top priorities I am always focused on are taking care of people, balancing the needs of readiness today with the Air Force of tomorrow, and making every dollar count," James said.

The Secretary was accompanied by her spouse, Frank Beatty, who spent part of his time learning about the support the 28th BW provides to its Airmen and families. He met with Youth Center staff to discuss child care programs, visited the Airmen's Ministry Center known as Higher Grounds, and toured the Bone Yard thrift store.

James thanked Ellsworth's Airmen for their contribution to the Air Force.

"What I ask of all of you is please continue to do what you do best," James said. "You are making a difference in a troubled world. Please continue to focus on the mission, focus on each other and focus on family."