The highest-ranking enlisted leaders from the Department of Defense emphasized the importance of quality of life factors for active-duty personnel during a hearing with the House Armed Services Committee. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass and Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John F. Bentivegna stressed that in order to preserve readiness, maintain the Total Force, and attract talented individuals, it is crucial to ensure sufficient pay, healthcare, housing, education, and other benefits for service members and their families. They argued that these factors are not just quality of life issues, but also readiness issues.
Bass and Bentivegna highlighted the need to address unique quality of life challenges faced by each service, while also coordinating efforts and strategies. Both services rely on individuals with specialized training and skills that are in high demand in the civilian world, so it is important to provide competitive pay to attract and retain them. The Space Force, in particular, faces the challenge of recruiting and retaining highly educated and specialized personnel. Bentivegna emphasized the need for a value proposition that rewards talent and ensures the focus and willingness of Guardians to continue serving in the Space Force.
Bass also emphasized the importance of prioritizing the quality of life of Airmen in order to improve readiness, recruitment, and retention. She urged for a targeted pay raise, as there hasn’t been one since 2007. Both service leaders saw the hearing as an opportunity to advocate for the well-being of service members and their families and provide insight into the factors that affect the force.
Overall, the leaders stressed that in the race for talent across the nation, it is crucial to properly care for and compensate service members to attract and retain the best individuals to protect the nation’s security. They argued that investing in the quality of life of service members pays dividends for the Space Force, the Department of Defense, and the nation as a whole, and that ensuring a military where people want to serve will require collective effort.
Images and subject matter derived from 3rd party sources including www.af.mil.
