ACC Command Chief visits Beale Published March 11, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Bobby Cummings 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Chief Master Sgt. Richard Parsons, Air Combat Command's command chief, visited here March 3, 2014, and spoke to Airmen during an enlisted call at the base theater. Parsons addressed subjects such as enlisted performance reports, force management and the fiscal year 2015 budget. "First and foremost, we value what you do," Parsons said. "One thing we will never debate is the importance of your mission. What you do everyday determines if people are going to make it home alive." Parsons discussed the proposal for new enlisted performance reports, which according to him could improve the impact, effectiveness and efficiency of the EPRs. He also mentioned master sergeant promotion boards will be happening as early as next year. However, the main topics of discussion were force management and the upcoming budget. Initial proposals for downsizing the service suggested the Air Force would see a force reduction of 25,000 Airmen. Nevertheless, Parsons believes that number is susceptible to change. "I realize the uncertainty is frustrating, but nothing is approved until it's signed, sealed and delivered," Parsons said. "On the other hand we simply cannot afford to keep people we are not authorized to have." A decision which will have a direct impact at Beale will be the future of the U-2 Dragon Lady and the squadrons associated with its existence. According to Maj. Gen. Jim Martin, the Air Force director of budget, fiscal year 2016 divests the U-2 in favor of the Global Hawk in support of the service's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission. "I understand the decisions being made may affect some of you personally, but it's a business, and it's a business we can't get wrong," Parsons said. For information on the proposed budget for fiscal 2015 click here.