NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. -- Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force Roger A. Towberman took the stage at the Air Force Association Air, Space and Cyber Conference here Sept. 21, to share his vision for the future of Guardian development.
Towberman focused on the five objectives outlined in the Space Force’s human capital management plan, termed the “Guardian Ideal,” released earlier in the day.
The Guardian Ideal is the Space Force’s foundational document, outlining the service’s boundary-pushing, innovative approach to talent management from accession to development. It combines aspirations with actions and milestones. The five objectives described in the Ideal are Connect in a Collaborative Environment, Lead Digital Enablement, Generate and Engage Talent, Develop and Employ Talent, and Integrate Resiliency.
Towberman shared his interpretation of how those objectives apply to Guardians and the future of the force.
“Building diverse teams is central to the Space Force; it’s the center of the Guardian Ideal,” Towberman said. “It’s about teamwork. It’s about love. Nobody lays down their life because it’s their job.”
All Guardians are called to serve, said Towberman, and their commitment is to their teammates. That’s why the Guardian Ideal focuses on developing the individual to be the best version of themselves because strong individuals build strong teams, and strong teams build a strong Space Force.
Towberman closed out his address to the audience discussing integrated resiliency. He shared a recent interaction with a teammate who noticed he was having an off day and asked him if he was ok.
“If you never pay attention to what’s normal, you will never know what’s not normal,” said Towberman. “You have to be looking out for each other—always, because that’s how you’ll see the stuff that is not normal. That’s how you’ll notice.”