SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Airmen filled Hangar 1 to standing room only on the hottest day of the year for an all call with Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright, at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, July 27, 2018.
Wright addressed several topics he wanted to emphasize, including proposed changes to high year of tenure, adjustments to the Weighted Airman Promotion System, and the idea of allowing Airmen to choose between a technical track and a leadership track.
“We push everyone into a leadership track regardless of if they have the propensity or desire to lead,” Wright said. “Everyone isn’t cut out to be a leader. How do we create a system where Airmen can choose their path and be valued the same and have the same promotion opportunities? The Air Force is changing, our environment is changing, and we have to be willing to change.”
Wright then discussed WAPS and how he and his team are looking into changing the way the Air Force promotes Airmen.
“We created WAPS in 1968 and implemented it in 1970,” Wright said. “We’ve been using the same system for 40 years. It is 2018, so we probably need to figure out the most effective way to promote our Airmen. I’m working on it.”
As for high year of tenure, Wright acknowledged the rumor trending around social media that the Air Force is considering changing HYT from 15 years to 20 years for staff sergeants.
“Absolutely, it’s a good idea,” Wright said. “We have a little bit more work to do. As with all decisions, we like to do some data analysis and make sure we’re doing the correct research, so we understand the second and third order effects before we pull the trigger. We’re going to try and get a decision shortly, no promises it will be done quickly, but I believe this is the right thing to do at this point in our Air Force.”
Wright also discussed additional topics, including adding grievance leave, which would be non-chargeable leave offered to Airmen to grieve the death of a family member, and adding joint-custody assignment intent codes to give co-parenting Airmen the opportunity to be stationed together without being married.
Wright opened the floor for questions, and some Airmen asked about potential changes to time in grade and time in service promotion points, changes to the physical fitness test, and possibly changing Enlisted Performance Reviews from bullet format to narrative.
With the continuing theme of change, Wright let Sabers know he is listening and looking into these topics.
“We hear you, we’re listening, and we’re trying to get things across the finish line that have an impact on your lives and your careers,” Wright said. “Every day, every single day, I’m working on something for each one of you. There is not a next big thing. I like the idea of all these small things eventually adding up to more time for you to get after the mission, and I saw some wonderful parts of your mission today.”
Airmen stood and applauded after Wright spoke his parting words.
“I appreciate you, I want you to have a good weekend, and on behalf of my wife, Tonya and I, we want to say thank you to Saber Nation,” said Wright.