Ten facts about CMSAF Cody Published April 14, 2015 By Senior Master Sgt. Jennifer Holton 27th Special Operations Force Support Squadron CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Cody is visiting the men and women of Cannon Air Force Base in May. This will be a great opportunity to showcase our capabilities and talented Air Commandos who support the mission downrange any time, any place! When CMSAF Cody enters the gate, we want him to see the pride and professionalism of the 27th Special Operations Wing and our tenant partners. With his visit, let’s refresh some basic facts about the chief master sergeant of the Air Force position and CMSAF Cody. What is CMSAF Cody’s role as the chief master sergeant of the Air Force? CMSAF Cody represents the highest level of enlisted leadership in the Air Force. He is responsible for the direction and health of the enlisted force. CMSAF Cody is the principal advisor to the chief of staff and secretary of the Air Force on all issues regarding welfare, readiness, morale, and proper utilization and progress of the enlisted force. The CMSAF communicates with the force, testifies before congress and represents Airmen to the American people. This position was originally created on Oct. 24, 1966 by CSAF General McConnell. What number chief master sergeant of the Air Force is CMSAF Cody? CMSAF Cody was appointed the 17th chief master sergeant of the Air Force effective January 2013. What position did CMSAF Cody hold before his appointment? Prior to assuming this position, CMSAF Cody served as the command chief master sergeant of Air Education and Training Command located at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. He served in a myriad of roles throughout his career including additional duty first sergeant, superintendent, ATC functional, and as the command chief master sergeant at wing and major command levels. What was CMSAF Cody’s background before becoming the chief master sergeant of the Air Force? CMSAF Cody began his career as an air traffic controller in 1984. Air Traffic Controllers control en-route and terminal air traffic by use of visual, radar and non-radar means. They initiate and issue air traffic control clearances, instructions, and advisories to ensure the safe, orderly and expeditious flow of air traffic. What are a few focus areas for CMSAF Cody? As the Air Force’s highest enlisted member responsible for the direction of the enlisted force, his focus areas include the deliberate development of Airmen coupled with the education, training and required experience to ensure continued success of the United States Air Force. CMSAF Cody is focused on ensuring a safe, productive work environment for our Airmen, and to evaluate the programs and services needed to support Airmen and their families. Without Airmen…there is no airpower. What changes has CMSAF Cody implemented to support these focus areas during his tenure? CMSAF Cody has instituted the Developmental Special Duty program, initiated major changes to the enlisted evaluation system (through the new Airman Comprehensive Assessment, and upcoming enlisted performance reports) and the Weighted Airman Promotion System (incorporating master sergeant promotion boards, evaluation and TIG/TIS point factors), evolved enlisted professional military education, and led the force through last year’s significant voluntary and involuntary force management programs (Enlisted Retention Board, Quality Force Review Board, Temporary Early Retirement Authority, and Voluntary Separation Program). How do you become the chief master sergeant of the Air Force? There is no deliberate formula; each appointed CMSAF has contributed their own unique career experience to the office. But it all starts with the promotion to chief master sergeant. To get there, members must build the foundation as experts at their craft. Leaders must develop themselves both professionally and personally through on/off duty education and through professional military education. They must be bold leaders who always seek and rely on feedback but more importantly, gain wisdom from feedback. Airmen must seize the unique opportunities designed to develop them as fit and agile leaders. Being a leader includes encompassing leadership roles with on/off base communities and professional organizations. Finally, members should always do the best job they can, set the example, and strive for excellence. What is the DV status for the chief master sergeant of the Air Force position? Although the CMSAF is a noncommissioned officer in rank, the title is afforded the protocol equivalent to a lieutenant general status. What is the proper term of address for the chief master sergeant of the Air Force? The official term of address is chief master sergeant of the Air Force or chief. The rank is always abbreviated CMSAF. Other facts…. CMSAF Cody understands the sacrifices of each and every Airman and their family. For him, it is a family business. He is married to retired Chief Master Sgt. Athena Cody whose background was also Air Traffic Control. Their son currently serves in the Air Force as well.