Last Updated on April 19, 2022
The U.S. Air Force recently unveiled a new program called “Airmen’s Time.” Among other things, the new Air Force program aims to create a “safe space” where service members can share perspectives with their commanders.
“The intent of Airmen’s Time is to create a safe space, be present, and ensure that our Air Force culture invites healthy conversation for every Airman…anytime, anywhere,” reads a memo that was obtained by the Washington Free Beacon.Â
The memo, which was written by Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Joanne S. Bass and General USAF Chief of Staff Charles Q. Brown, Jr., states that “building trust and belonging is never a one-time event – it is a daily commitment to those we serve.”
“To further advance this cultural shift, leaders at every level are entrusted to prioritize time to elevate connection, growth, and enhance the well-being of individual Airmen while building unity within teams,” the memo continues.
James Carafano, a U.S. Army veteran who now runs national security and defense policy programs at the Heritage Foundation, told the Washington Free Beacon that he has “never seen any analysis from the Pentagon which demonstrably proves the training has value that improves the readiness and capabilities of the armed forces.”
The Biden Administration is “spending millions of dollars on programs that somebody just thinks is a good idea,” Carafano continued. “At the same time, we are taking service members away from their regular duties. This appears to be an initiative that is compromising on readiness for no commensurate benefit and indeed may risk hurting morale, unit cohesion, and individual performance.”
In addition to the “safe space” initiative, similar measures have been deployed the Air Force in the past. Last year, Tucker Carlson was heavily criticized by leftist military leaders, including General Mark Milley, for questioning why the Air Force was spending money on “maternity flight suits” for pregnant female pilots.
