Chief Skar: The Air Force is changing, “Embrace it” Published Jan. 14, 2026 By Mike Paoli 412th Test Wing Public Affairs Office EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Chief Master Sgt. Joshua Skarloken, 412th Test Wing command chief master sergeant, encouraged Airmen to embrace change, keep a positive attitude and make responsible decisions during last week’s “Back-in-the-Saddle” All Call at the base theater. The chief referenced service-wide changes triggered in large part by transfer of leadership in November from Gen. David Allvin, former Air Force chief of staff, to his successor, Gen. Ken Wilsbach, and the passing of the chief master sergeant of the Air Force reins from Chief Master Sgt. David Flosi to Chief Master Sgt. David Wolfe. “What we can expect over the next year is more change and more updates,” said Skarloken. “No one likes a negative person when change happens, so just embrace it and be ready for it.” Some of those changes are to the annual physical fitness test, which will be a more challenging, twice-a-year assessment with new options and a four-category scoring matrix to measure cardio, muscle, core and body composition health. The updated test reintroduces a scored waist-to-height ratio, and offers alternatives like the 20-meter high-aerobic multi-shuttle run in lieu of the traditional two-mile run, and hand-release pushups in place of traditional pushups. “The focus is now on core readiness through a more comprehensive fitness assessment,” said Skarloken. “It does a better job measuring our physical readiness for demanding combat scenarios.” The Air Force also reintroduced duty identifier patches to the operational camouflage pattern, or OCP, combat uniform this month. The change is now codified in Department of the Air Force Instruction 36-2903. Approximately 90 patches, such as “MUNS,” for munitions, “FIRE” for firefighters and “NAV” for navigators, are authorized. Another dozen unique tabs, such as “Air Advisor,” are also authorized. Additional updates address the use of eyewear, earbuds and bags. Chief Master Sgt. Joshua Skarloken, 412th Test Wing command chief master sergeant, encouraged Airmen to embrace change, keep a positive attitude and make responsible decisions during last week’s “Back-in-the-Saddle” All Call at the base theater. (Photo by Brandon Hernandez) The wing will also undergo a unit effectiveness inspection during the second week of April, said the chief. “The Air Force Materiel Command inspector general is coming in to look at our compliance and how well we’re doing. “It’s pretty much an open book,” he said, “so get into your books, get into your MICTs [management internal control toolsets], get into your checklists and find out where we’re coming up short. If we find it and we mark it red, we’re good. But if IG comes in and they find it, that’s when we start taking hits.” The chief closed his comments with an emphasis on safety and, specifically, responsible behavior. Edwards experienced 14 military DUIs during 2025. “It takes a conscious effort to get into a vehicle after you’ve been drinking,” he said. “I have a theory that the one time you get caught … wasn’t your first time doing it. “I get it,” he said. “It’s expensive taking Uber or a taxi from Lancaster or Palmdale back to base, but I promise it’s not as expensive as losing a license, court fees, getting demoted, losing your job, or even losing your life or taking a life. So don’t do it. Have a plan.” Volunteer drivers with Airmen Against Drunk Driving will pick up and drop off base members, safely and anonymously, within a 45-mile radius of Edwards on the first and third Fridays and Saturdays monthly from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Members can call 661-277-2233 to arrange a ride. To volunteer with AADD, contact Master Sgt. Crystal Erskine at 661-810-4010 or crystal.erskine@us.af.mil, or Senior Airman Josh Covarrubias at josh.a.covarrubias.mil@health.mil.