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Slocum Outlines 2019 Areas of Emphasis

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Dan Heaton
  • 127th Wing Public Affairs
SELFRIDGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mich. --  The 127th Wing is focusing on four areas of emphasis for 2019.
They are:
• Expeditionary Readiness & Lethality
• Focus on the Drill-Status Guardsman
• Joint Service Operations
• Unconstrained Innovation

The areas of emphasis were outlined by Brig. Gen. John D. Slocum, the 127th Wing commander, during the annual 127th Wing Awards Ceremony in December. By tradition, the wing commander forecasts the year ahead in the annual awards ceremony, typically held the final drill weekend of the calendar year.

“We exist to be warriors,” the general said, highlighting the first emphasis. “If called, we are ready to go tonight, to protect and defend our nation.”

Slocum spoke at length on the skills and talents that part-time members of the Air National Guard bring to the 127th Wing.

“All that they learn in their civilian careers, we benefit from all that knowledge,” he said. “At the same time, they continue to serve in the Air National Guard, meeting the same standards as our active-duty counterparts.”

Slocum noted that the Air National Guard as a whole provides approximately one third of the capabilities of the Air Force, at about 6 percent of the total Air Force cost.

“We bring incredible value to the nation,” he said.

Slocum said increasing, 127th Wing personnel find themselves working in a joint environment, working closely with Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard personnel and civilians from various government agencies.

“We need to be flexible to fight as one unified team, while still bringing the individual skills and capabilities that are unique to our wing,” he said.
Slocum’s fourth area of emphasis is the concept of unconstrained innovation. The general stated he encourages Airmen from across the wing to share their ideas of new ways to improve on existing practices around the wing.

“This is about being ready today for the challenges of tomorrow,” he said. “We don’t know what challenges tomorrow will bring, but by willing to try new ideas today, we can be ready for what lies ahead.”