USFJ commander emphasizes role of military leaders Published Oct. 1, 2007 By Master Sgt. Jeff Loftin 18th Wing Public Affairs KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- The commander of U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force spoke to senior enlisted leaders and field grade officers here Sept. 27 to emphasize the role they play in securing peace in the region. "You've never been more important," Lt. Gen. Bruce Wright told the crowd of more than 100 Airmen gathered at the Keystone Theater to hear the leader. The Japan-U.S. alliance is more important than ever, said the general. North Korea, he said, continues to be "problematic." The recent activation of Russia's long-range bombers and the continuing War on Terror were also concerns he addressed. "We've got a tough fight right now in the Philippines," the general said. "Many of you are involved directly in its support. Radical Islam is threatening freedom and democracy around the world." The general said that China's booming economy and rapid military growth is a concern. "We have to remember this is a military in a communist country," he said, "a country that has never seen any notion of representative government. In fact 1.3 billion people do not have the right to vote. The civilian control of the military that we believe in and support ... is not part of the history of China." According to General Wright, the operational environment of the region highlights the importance the senior NCOs and field grade officers at the Keystone of the Pacific play in the maintenance of that peace. "The responsibilities of what you do have never been more important to the nation than they are today," he said. "[Military members] have never been at more risk than they are today. Accordingly your job, your vocation, your responsibilities, especially your leadership responsibilities have never been more important." The general stressed that these concerns underscore the need to build closer cooperation and interoperability with Japan's Self-Defense Forces. He encouraged those in attendance to form close working relationships with their Okinawan peers. The USFJ commander told the leaders they have a weekly mission of ensuring their unit members don't harm international relations either accidentally or through irresponsible behavior. "We are about ensuring and reinforcing unwavering professionalism inside the fence, outside the fence, 24-hours a day, 365 days a year," he said. The general said it's only a small percentage of the force that causes problems. "Ninety-nine point nine percent of this force is incredibly professional. More professional, I think, than at any time in the history of our Air Force and at any time in the history of our military," said General Wright. "You have tremendous high standards. You are a great group of professionals, and I can't thank you enough for that. Unfortunately we have .01 percent that just doesn't get it." Chief Master Sgt. Craig Deatherage, the Command Chief Master Sergeant for USFJ and 5th Air Force, also spoke to the leaders and advised them to promote a four-question series in their Airmen's daily routine. "It would help them tremendously," said Chief Deatherage. "The questions are, 'Am I going to hurt myself? Am I going to hurt somebody else? Is it unethical, illegal or immoral? Is it going to bring dishonor to my family?' If the answer to these questions is no, then go ahead. Have a blast! We want you to have a good time while stationed in Japan. But, if the answer to any of those questions is yes they need to rethink their plans." Another factor in international relations discussed was the realignment of forces on Okinawa. "We've had direction from the secretary of defense and the secretary of state to realign forces on Okinawa - Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines for an enduring presence," said General Wright. "So consequently we're going to move away from areas that are very encroached by our Okinawan neighbors. That will give us area to move, operate, and maneuver, and reduce the impact on our Okinawan neighbors." Because the planned move of Marine air operations to Camp Schwab will enable the closing of most of the U.S. base property in central and southern Okinawa, the general said the "notion that U.S. forces stationed here are a burden is kind of losing its popularity." The realignment of forces is expected to be completed by 2014. For more information on the realignment, go to www.usfj.mil.