How do you become the CMSAF?

TSgt Terry Hudson , I'm happy you are SOOO motivated and full of energy. It is a wonderful trait that will carry you far. I am not a Chief as you can see, but still have 3 recommendations. First, crush your current job...be the best at what you do and volunteer for all duties at the highest levels you can. Imagine how you could help your wing or NAF commander. Know his priorities and goals and the Wing's/NAF's challenges and upcoming events where you could play a role. (your NAF commander, Lt Gen "Hit Me" Nowland is a UPT classmate and friend of mine. He is a visionary person and appreciates innovative ideas for C2) 2nd, recognize that your AFSC limits your visibility and opportunity to meet senior leaders. 3rd, review previous CMSAF bios and find the common themes. They did a LOT, they moved a LOT, they knew thousands of people, they experienced combat, they knew the pentagon, and they performed outstanding service throughout their career. A supremely high goal to be sure. The good news is, your path in seeking it will make both you and the AF better, and you will be rewarded internally and externally, even if CMSAF ends up not being your final destination.

First and foremost, never do anything simply to get promoted!! The job that you have right now is the most important one in the Air Force and that is the focus you should always have no matter what that position is.

That said, everyone wants to be appreciated and promotion is the way we show that best, so my advice starts with striving to be the absolute best at whatever profession the Air Force has hired you to do. Study, apply and exploit the AFIs, OIs, TOs, and SOPs and make a name for yourself by being the expert in your AFSC who people can turn to and trust. Always look for ways to improve your skill set personally and professionally.

Next, get involved and develop your leadership style in every avenue possible as early as possible. Whether its a professional council on base, AFSA, the PTA, youth sports, your housing association or whatever organization you enjoy being a part of, look for opportunities to lead something. Never be afraid of failing, and if it happens be sure to take accountability for it and learn from it.

As you rise through the ranks take great care of the manpower and resources entrusted to you and understand that your career becomes less about you and more about the ones you are expected to lead. With that in mind, look for ways to grow your leadership and breadth of experience by stepping outside your AFSC to do things like teach PME, MTI, First Sergeant duty, Recruiter duty, or one of the other DSD vectors. Gain as many leadership experiences as possible.

The main thing promotion boards look at when selecting personnel into our top pay grades is the ability to lead, and that is what your military resume needs to reflect.

Aim High!