COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Maj. Gen. Michael D. Rothstein, commander of the Curtis E. LeMay Center and vice commander of Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, spoke at Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Classes 18-14/15 graduation Sept. 7 on Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi. The graduation consisted of all students from SUPT Class 18-14 and the T-38C Talon students from SUPT Class 18-15.
As Rothstein addressed 25 of the U.S. Air Force and partner nation’s newest pilots, he noted how a week and 29 years ago he was sitting in their spot, and explained that so much has happened in those years.
Rothstein mentioned how the new pilots are now part of best team of aviators in the world.
“This is the best air force the world has ever known,” Rothstein said. “But don’t be complacent, (our enemies) are coming for us. We need to play like contenders, not champions.”
Rothstein also stressed how important it is for pilots to seek instant feedback, and how it’s unique -- that as a pilot -- to know the results of impact immediately after each sortie. Not every profession can see how their actions effect
Rothstein said if anything else, one thing he has always gotten out of being a pilot is having fun.
“I don’t have to go to work, I get to go to work,” Rothstein said. “I could be a ditch-digger or an accountant, both are noble things to do, but let me tell you that being a pilot in the Air Force is more fun.”
He also mentioned that the people he works with are great people. He said they are smart, caring and hardworking and will take care of you.
Another great aspect of being a pilot is the opportunity to see the world. He joked about the First Assignment Instructor Pilots (FAIP) will see Columbus AFB a little longer but reassured them they will have their chance.
Rothstein also talked about how he likes the continuing challenges of being a pilot.
“I’m a pretty good F-16 (Fighting Falcon) pilot, at least I was back in the day if I say so myself, but I was never perfect,” Rothstein said. “I never had a (sortie) that I thought couldn’t be better.”
Another thing he admired about being an Air Force pilot is the service. He said that they will get to do something that is larger than themselves.
His final point he made is that being a pilot is a respected profession. He said being a military officer comes with respect which led him into his final piece of advice to the new pilots.
“We are about to put some wings on your chest, and they are going to be heavy, but they shouldn’t be as heavy as the (rank) on your shoulders,” Rothstein said. “First and foremost I expect you to be a warrior and an officer in our U.S. Air Force. I don’t expect you to be a pilot who happens to be an officer, I expect you to be an officer who happens to be a pilot.”