LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
The 480th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing welcomed the newest member of its leadership team June 7, as Chief Master Sgt. Roger Towberman took the seat as the wing's command chief.
Towberman comes to Langley from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., where he served as the superintendent of the 55th Electronic Combat Group. The chief began his Air Force career in September 1990, and has held a variety of duties as a ground and airborne cryptologic language analyst, mission supervisor and superintendent.
Towberman took the time to answer a few questions about his new role and first impressions of the 480th ISR Wing and its Airmen.
Public Affairs: Why did you join the Air Force?
Chief Towberman: I was looking for something to make into a career. I had worked a number of 'jobs,' but wasn't feeling like I was setting my future up well. I wasn't sure if the Air Force was going to be the answer, but it seemed like a good idea at the time, and they were offering me an enlistment bonus, too.
PA: What is your most memorable moment from your days as a younger Airman?
Towberman: I have many. I loved being a young Airman -- things were easy and I learned a lot. Just come into work, work hard, go home. Looking back, I didn't appreciate how much time I had to enjoy and improve my life without worrying about family or subordinates. It was just me and the Air Force and it was pretty awesome, just as it is now.
PA: What's your impression thus far of the 480th ISR Wing and its Airmen?
Towberman: The wing is so busy. I can't believe how quickly a day disappears. There's so much going on in so many time zones; it's really amazing. I can't say enough about the peop -- what talented, exceptional human beings. The potential of the Airmen in this wing is immeasurable. If we continue to work our way toward maximizing that human potential, there will be nothing we can't accomplish as a wing.
PA: What advice do you have for the young Airmen who are coming up to the end of their first enlistment and are in a position to think about a future career?
Towberman: Always move toward something. Moving away from something rarely leads to logical thinking. The Air Force provides great opportunities, but it's not for everyone. Find something in life you're passionate about and move toward it. Either way, if you serve honorably for one enlistment or six or seven, you've done something you can be proud of.
PA: Do you have any advice for today's NCOs who are, or will be, moving into senior leadership roles?
Towberman: Leadership begins with followership. Worry about the stripes you have and the Air Force will take care of giving you more. Take care of the mission and the Airmen under your charge and focus your energy on doing your job better than anyone else. If you do that, you'll find your leadership opportunities. More importantly, you'll make a difference.
PA: As the principal advisor to the 480th ISR Wing commander on matters of health, welfare and morale, professional development and the effective use of the wing's Airmen, what is your biggest responsibility?
Towberman: I owe the commander the same thing I owe every Airman in the wing - knowledge, transparency and communication. I need to keep abreast of big Air Force issues and know what's going on out there. I need to know what our Airmen think of these issues and what's going on in their day-to-day lives and mission that we can improve from our level or above. I need to communicate these things to the commander with complete transparency and utmost honesty. That's what I owe him, but honestly, that's what I owe everyone.
PA: If you were only able to accomplish one goal during your tenure as the wing's command chief, what would that goal be?
Towberman: To make a difference. If I leave here after two years and I haven't helped move the ball down the field, then I've failed. I will do everything I can to remove obstacles and improve our mission. That should be everyone's goal.
PA: Who, or what, has had the biggest influence on your career?
Towberman: I had a commander hold me accountable for my [professional military education] and [Community College of the Air Force] degree. I had spent my career buried in the mission, not paying attention to what the Air Force was telling me. He forced me to rethink that, and it's probably the only reason I'm a chief today.
PA: What's the most important thing you want to tell your Airmen?
Towberman: The Air Force does not institutionally make bad decisions or plot to make your mission or your life difficult. If it seems like that's happening, you need to speak up. Chances are, leaders who can make a difference don't even know there's a problem. If you have something standing between you and excellence, bring it up and expect it to be removed, and make sure you spend your day removing the same types of obstacles for your Airmen.
PA: Do you have anything you would like to add?
Towberman: I couldn't be happier to be a part of the 480th. I'm truly having the time of my life.