Former U.S. STRATCOM commander speaks to cadets

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachel Hammes
  • U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  Retired Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, a distinguished Class of '76 Academy graduate, spoke to the Class of 2015 on the importance of the profession of arms here Dec. 1.

Chilton, a former U.S. Strategic Command commander, said cadets need to take the core value of service before self to heart and seize every opportunity to excel.

"The profession of arms is 'a vocation of experts who are certified in the ethical application of military power' - for us, that would be air, space and cyberspace - 'serving under civilian authority, entrusted to defend the Constitution of the United States and the American people,'" he said, paraphrasing U.S. Army General and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Martin Dempsey's definition. "This isn't just a job. It truly is a calling. You're serving other people before yourself, and that sets you apart from other professions. As you grow closer to stepping into the profession of arms, I want to challenge you to think about what that means for you personally."

Chilton served 11 years at NASA and commanded his third space shuttle mission before returning to active duty Air Force service.

"I decided to do the best I could at whatever job I got," he said.  "You're close to stepping into the profession of arms. For a living, for a life and for, perhaps, a career. You have an opportunity to do great things."

Chilton urged cadets to engage in reading that would make them better officers after they graduate.

"Be as knowledgeable about air, space and cyberspace power and how it's employed - how it's historically been employed since the days of World War I, and how it's been employed since then," he said. "Because you never know when you're going to be called upon to make a difference, and you don't want to be found lacking once you get there."

Cadet 1st Class Jacob Hernandez, Cadet Squadron 27, said hearing about Chilton's experiences both in the Air Force and at NASA added perspective to his cadet experience.

"I think it's important to get an alternate perspective outside of the classroom and textbooks," he said. "Sometimes we get caught up in the moment of what we do here - it's really nice to see that it's worth so much in the end once you're out in the Air Force."