2 Air Force Leaders Talk About Breaking Down Barriers, Inspiring Positive Change

Washington — Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. and Air Force Chief Sergeant JoAnne S. Bass are the first two in their roles. Brown is the first black man to hold the position of chief of staff, while Bass is the first woman to hold the title.

“One of the things I really believe is that young people just aspire to be what they see.” brown he told CBS News this week. “You don’t decide to grow up to be something you’ve never seen.”

“It’s humbling,” Bass said of being the first woman to serve as chief master sergeant. “And it’s an honor to be able to serve alongside heroes and visionaries like these people.”

All military branches are struggling to recruit and retain service members. There are several factors for this including a general culture harassment and bullying.

“I am very focused on developing the culture within the organizations where all of our Airmen can reach their full potential,” Brown said. “Where they have zero detractors, whether it’s sexual assault, discrimination, harassment, bullying. These are the areas, and that requires leadership.”

Asked about allegations from sexual abuse survivors who believe the Air Force is letting perpetrators get away with their crimes, Brown said “our goal is to hold all of those accountable.”

“Can we do better? Yes. As always, room for improvement,” he added.

Brown also explained what he thinks the Air Force can do to make it easier for people to join.

“There are five key things that affect military families: child care, education, housing, health and spouse’s job” Brown said. “Those are the things that really help us with retention and support, not just our military, but most importantly, our military families.”

Armed Forces Day is celebrated on May 20, when the nation honors those who serve, past and present, in all branches of the military.

“We want America to know some of the caliber of men and women who serve in America’s military,” Bass said. “They are probably some of the most talented and educated people in our nation. They inspire me every day.”