I just returned from Europe, where American Airmen have flown with our Allies in peace and combat since the days of the Lafayette Escadrille during World War I. I toured Normandy, where courage and triumph still echo along D-Day's beaches, cliffs, and furrows. The trip reminded me how attention to mission is fundamental to the success of American Airmen--past and present.

Know the Mission. One lesson of Normandy is that everyone must know the mission. At every level of action, mission success requires clear goals, defined objectives, and an innate grasp of how those objectives are to be achieved.

Knowing the mission extends beyond daily "to do" lists. It requires recognizing how your actions affect others --including members of the Joint team. It requires comprehending how your work adds value to the Nation's security. It requires seizing every opportunity to improve how the Air Force provides Global Vigilance, Global Reach, and Global Power.

Knowing the mission starts with a detailed understanding of our purpose and vision, communicated in clear and concise terms. All Airmen -- not just commanders -- should be able to clearly articulate the criticality of Air, Space and Cyber Dominance to all they encounter -- from peers worldwide to friends at home.

Intensity of Training. Another lesson of Normandy is training. D-Day was among the most carefully crafted and meticulously planned amphibious landings in human history. Yet much of D-Day's success must be attributed to the intense training that preceded the landing. Units spent months, even years, practicing assaults under every condition imaginable. The training was demanding and relentless, readying the force to meet the tremendous challenge ahead.

Today, our training environments are becoming more intense and realistic than ever. We leverage ever-increasing computing power to model operating environments with astonishing fidelity. Balancing simulation and "live fly," we train to diverse scenarios in quick succession, increasing our precision, lethality, and readiness. Our exercises incorporate emerging capabilities and threats, including Cyber operations.

Every time we meet, your selfless dedication to the Air Force never ceases to impress me. I am proud of today's Airmen and how your attention to mission distinguishes all you do.

(Archives)