Otis Airmen welcome ANG Command Chief Hotaling

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kerri Spero
  • 102nd Intelligence Wing Public Affairs
The Air National Guard's top enlisted advisor spent the day with Airmen from the 102nd Intelligence Wing, Massachusetts Air National Guard, sharing key messages from his Aim Points and listening to their concerns during his visit here, February 7.

Chief Master Sgt. James W. Hotaling made it a priority during his visit to speak with wing's senior and junior enlisted Airmen during two town hall style meetings. During the all-calls, Airmen candidly presented issues important to them such as how ANG restructuring could impact them, and Professional Military Education changes.

According to Hotaling, "While we may operate at times under different statutes, every Air National Guard member meets the same standards of professionalism and proficiency that our reserve and active duty counterparts must meet."

During his visit, Hotaling's time with Airmen focused on sharing his message of a renewed commitment to the profession of arms, health of the force, and recognition of our Airmen and accomplishments.

Hotaling said that the ANG is no longer a strategic reserve, but rather, an operational force and is "never going back." Using a football analogy about the changing of helmet-to-helmet contact rules in recent years and how NFL players had to adapt to these changes, he said Airmen are the players in the new operational ANG and as our own rules and requirements change, Airmen have to adapt as well.

Hotaling focused on personal interactions and took the opportunity to recognize six Airmen by presenting them with his personal challenge coin for their contributions to intelligence and Air National Guard missions.

Hotaling took the opportunity to attend the Otis ANGB Chief Master Sergeant Advisory Council and Junior Enlisted Council meetings. During the Junior Enlisted Council meeting, he talked about developing Airmen's depth of knowledge and breadth of experience.

"I encourage Airmen's development needs in terms of depth and breadth. That is, how deep an assignment gets, or how wide it spreads them," said Hotaling, "The more you expand yourself, the better leader you will be. If you broaden yourself, you deepen your experiences."

Hotaling suggested readings such as "The 360 Degree Leader" by John C. Maxwell and "Start With Why" by Simon Sinek.

Chief Hotaling also met with the base Chaplain Corps, Airman and Family Readiness, and the Director of Psychological Health and discussed the importance of the Integrated Delivery System. The IDS is made up by individuals who have a primary responsibility of providing family services and prevention and education activities related to individual, family, and community concerns.