Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach delivered a keynote address to hundreds of cadets at the 2026 National Conclave (NATCON) of Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings - themed WildWestCon - challenging the next generation of officers to embrace the full weight of their commitment to serve.
Wilsbach made clear from the outset that the Air Force cadets are entering is one actively engaged in combat operations. With Operation Epic Fury underway at the time of his remarks, he reminded the room of the significance of their decision to commission. Regarding the CSAR [Combat Search and Rescue] operation in Iran, Wilsbach affirmed the Air Force's commitment to "Mission First, People Always" and its promise to never leaving an Airman behind.
His address centered on qualities he called essential for the officers the force needs: good judgement, toughness, grit and character.
"We need you to make good decisions under pressure," Wilsbach said. "The way you do that is by doing hard things together. Toughness is defined by resilience, making yourself uncomfortable, not resting on laurels and always striving to be better. And grit is what carries leaders through when plans fall apart." Binding all these qualities together, he argued, is teamwork. "No mission is accomplished alone," Wilsbach said. "Teamwork is the force multiplier that turns individual resilience into collective victory." At the foundation of it all, he said, is character. "Trust is everything in our profession."
Wilsbach closed by reminding cadets that only about one percent of Americans choose to serve, and even fewer will lead as officers. He urged them to lean into difficulty, be worthy of being followed, invest in the relationships built at events like WildWestCon, and never lose sight of why the Air Force exists.
Afterward, he exemplified this guidance by meeting cadets one-on-one, alongside Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Wolfe, answering eager questions and instilling wisdom upon the next generation of leaders.
The annual conclave brings together Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings members from detachments across the country for professional development, recognition, and engagement with senior military and civilian leaders. NATCON continues to serve as one of the most significant leadership development events available to AFROTC cadets, offering a rare opportunity to connect directly with the highest levels of the Department of the Air Force and beyond.
