"Setting the strategic conditions for victory starts right here in (Air Force) Space Command," said Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne as he visited Headquarters AFSPC May 7. Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, AFSPC commander, met with the secretary for an office call and several briefings, focusing on the command's mission as well as current training initiatives. "Space is approaching a $200-billion global industry," said General Chilton. "The world has come to depend heavily on space."
Secretary Wynne also holds that opinion, stating that AFSPC continues to be there for the nation and the world.
Clearly a priority, the general led the day's discussions with space professional development. And National Security Space Institute representatives provided background information and training status to the secretary.
"We were very proud to present the success of the Space Professional Development Program, since it is critical to enabling the command's priority of developing and retaining people with necessary expertise," said Maj. Denise Harris, Space Professional Management Office at HQ AFSPC. "It is an Air Force-level program focusing on career development, which ensures we have highly competent, motivated Airmen with the depth and breadth of skills to deliver space power."
When the discussion turned to retaining space professionals, the secretary indicated he is "pushing hard to make professional training relevant to personal goals." As it stands, it can be problematic to pursue a graduate degree due to course availability and funding, according to the Space Professional Management office. The command has a number of initiatives which include a space certificate pilot program and on-line distance learning.
"Once you're in space," he said, "the bug hits you, and you don't want to leave," continued Secretary Wynne, referring to careers based around space operations. "To offer advanced academic degrees in the space fields could help secure professionals beyond 25 years to 35 and even 45 years."
The Air Force's senior leader was here for half a day, and the general took every opportunity to showcase the command.
"I relish each opportunity to show off the people and mission of Air Force Space Command," said General Chilton. "I can't tell you how fortunate I feel to be in this job and be assigned here at Peterson and in command of the greatest space force in the history of the world."
