CMSAF testifies on quality of life

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Monique Randolph
  • Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
The chief master sergeant of the Air Force, along with the senior-ranking enlisted members from each branch of service, testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs about quality of life issues in the Air Force Feb. 7 at the Capitol. 
   "Quality of life is key to success," Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley said. 
    "Our Airmen deserve the best support available, and we are committed to providing the highest quality of life standards possible," he said. 
   Child care, healthcare and education were recurring themes for each branch of service throughout the testimony. 
   "Air Force leaders understand we recruit Airmen, but we retain families," Chief McKinley said. "The quality of life we provide for our Airmen and their families is a distinct determining factor in how long many of our warriors will serve." 
   For many Airmen, having available and affordable child care is a primary concern. If there is a shortage of child care facilities and providers on a base, this may cause families to seek off-base child care, often at more expense to the families. 
   "Many of our families are military married to military, single-parent families, or military members with spouses who have to work to supplement the family income. These situations require flexible child care options," the chief said. 
   Currently, the Air Force outsources some child care requirements to trained, licensed homecare providers on bases. The Air Force also subsidizes parents who need child care for extended hours through the Air Force Family Child Care Program and provides extended child care at no cost through the Extended Duty Child Care Program. 
   "While we face funding challenges in meeting every child care requirement, we are striving to provide quality child care options to all our Airmen," Chief McKinley said. 
   He also addressed healthcare as a concern for Airmen. Across the services, recruiting healthcare professionals remains a challenge. 
   "Caring for our wounded warriors is always a top priority, and we've done a fantastic job of this on the medical side. Advancements in medical evacuation and trauma care save more lives than in past wars," the chief said. "But, as we focus on taking care of our wounded and ensuring we secure a good future for them and their families, we must also focus on hiring doctors, dentists and other healthcare professionals." 
   Chief McKinley also pointed out the need to update medical equipment, as well as the aging air fleet, space assets and individual protective equipment. 
   "To successfully meet future challenges, maintain our advantages and maximize results, we must keep pace with the talent of our 21st century Airmen and ensure they have the best equipment, facilities and resources available," he said. 
   Today, 99 percent of enlisted Airmen have high school diplomas and 73 percent have also attended college. Additionally, nearly half of all service members are married and have children, and want the same educational opportunities for their families, Chief McKinley said. 
   The chief stressed to the committee members the need for local, state and school district policies that help military family members who move frequently due to military requirements. He also addressed the need for similar policies concerning full in-state tuition for college. 
   "Our goal is to help governmental entities share best practices and policies and make sure military families are not penalized by schools for their service to the nation," Chief McKinley said. 
   "America's Airmen -- your Airmen -- stand shoulder to shoulder with their fellow American warriors, defending this great nation and our way of life," he said. "We will ensure our Airmen are safe, healthy, well-compensated, well-trained, well-educated and that they and their families have the best possible quality of life."