Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force visits Lajes

by Staff Sgt. Zachary Wolf
65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

1/27/2015 - LAJES FIELD, Azores, Portugal -- Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody and his wife, retired Chief Master Sgt. Athena Cody, stopped at Lajes during a tour of remote locations across the U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Jan. 26, 2015.

This was the second stop on Cody's tour after visiting Morón Air Base, Spain.

During his stop at Lajes, he recognized outstanding performers and received a 65th Air Base Wing mission brief from Lajes' Fabulous Five.

Cody then held an Airman's Call to hear from Airmen and address their concerns. A great deal of the discussion related to the upcoming changes to the enlisted evaluation and promotion system.

He highlighted a few of the changes and addressed a question on the new process for promotion to master sergeant. Technical Sergeant who are eligible for promoting to master sergeant will meet a board this Spring.

"The board will do just what they do with seniors and chiefs," Cody said. "They will look at your record and give you a board score."

Additionally, Cody said the new Enlisted Performance Report will  remove the current numbered rating system and use word pictures to document job performance and promotion recommendations.

While he recognized that these changes will be a challenge, he believes that over time it will move the enlisted force in the right direction.

During the Airman's Call, Cody also offered advice for young Airmen serving today. He said many Airmen may be uncertain if they want the Air Force to be a career. He acknowledged that was their choice, and gave some advice that he was given when he was a young Airman.

"Work hard every day, work like you are going to stay in the Air Force for 20 years and then along the way if you decide to get out you will be in a place to make the right decision," Cody said.

Cody ended his Airmen call by acknowledging a smaller military presence at Lajes Field, but emphasizing the importance of the relationship between the U.S. and Portugal.

"We have been talking about getting smaller at Lajes. However, we have had a tremendous relationship with the Portuguese for decades, since before our Air Force was an Air Force and that relationship will continue into the future. The relationship we have here is not going away. We have to find the right balance to project combat power with our partners in the future."