The Air Force issued a new standardized guideline spelling out the Chief of Staff’s expectations of every unit commander, entitled Commander’s Responsibilities. “For the first time, the Air Force now has an instruction which sets the minimum standard for successful command,” said Air Force Inspector General Lt. Gen. Stephen Mueller, in a May 21 release. “A great byproduct of this instruction is a standardized template for evaluating and inspecting all Air Force commander’s along four common major graded areas,” explained Mueller. “It’s important for all of us to be on the same page, especially when it comes to standards and conduct,” added Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh. The six-page Air Force Instruction specifies that commanders are responsible for leadership, mission execution, resource management, and unit improvement. They also are expected to “display exemplary conduct … be above reproach, both morally and ethically, and exemplify Air Force core values,” according to the release.
Space Force’s Top Guardians Share Their Stories
Feb. 27, 2026
Winners of the Space Force’s fourth annual, service-wide Polaris Awards had the chance to discuss the actions that led to their awards from the main stage here at AFA’s Warfare Symposium on Feb. 24, in a panel discussion moderated by Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force John Bentivegna.