23 Apr 2008

Teamwork - are you doing all you can?

It is easy to get engrossed in our exciting summer activities and become complacent when it comes to safety. The goal of the 180 Critical Days of Safety Campaign is to keep people in a safety mind set. "This year's concept is to emphasize, at the lowest level, that we all have a part in doing our best to ensure the success of our unit, wing, and

2 Apr 2008

Need to know – Who’s your Wingman?

I know what you're thinking ...Wingman is a buzz word thrown around without much thought; I can take care of myself and this is just another way for people in my unit to rat me out to my first sergeant or commander when I'm having a bad day or go out partying with my friends. How many times have you been briefed or read about how important it is to

13 Mar 2008

Legacy of sacrifice, valor continues

In the English town of Lavenham, just a 40 minute drive from RAF Mildenhall, there is an old hotel called The Swan. Originally built in the late 14th century, The Swan holds a place in the hearts of the local residents as an enduring link to England's past. The Swan also holds a special place in the memories of many American Airmen as a refuge

13 Mar 2008

Communication is key to effective leadership

Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of State Colin Powell said, "The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them." To be an effective leader, you must stay involved in what is taking place within your section, flight, or unit. To do this, you must foster an environment of effective

18 May 2007

Strong writing skills can make or brake

As I near the end of my third year as a squadron commander, I'm amazed at how much I've learned about leadership, both good and bad, since the day I first accepted the responsibility of command. In fact, I continue to learn more every day and recognize that there are many, many things I still don't know. However, there is one thing I know for

18 May 2007

Living up to the tenets of leadership

Each of us must choose the qualities we will emulate from the leaders who have contributed to our own development. From those who have guided me personally, as well as from those who have reached from the pages of history with their influence, I have formulated my own tenets of leadership. They are: selflessness, honesty, courage, and humility.

28 Apr 2007

Effective communication vital for leaders, followers

When I was a lieutenant, my commander at the time, a Vietnam vet, occasionally complained about the discipline of the Airmen, "These young kids, they're always asking 'why '- we used to just follow orders." Recently, I heard the same complaint from a 20-year chief. "Troops these days, always asking 'why.' Didn't happen when I was an

5 Apr 2007

Contingency Skills Training bolsters Airman's abilities in combat environments

There was no hiding from my first convoy experience. Tagged as convoy commander for a five-vehicle movement through unfamiliar terrain, the lives and welfare of 19 Airmen hung on my ability to react quickly and think on my feet. Was I ready? What would we encounter? How many of my squad would I lose on this mission? Would I be the one not coming

5 Apr 2007

Leadership: What we can learn from Mayberry

You're in charge." I cringe inwardly when I hear those words. They imply that I'm going to meet resistance and will need to assert formal authority - kind of like the oldest child being in charge of the younger in the brood when mom and dad go out for the evening. "You're responsible." Those words charge me with energy and I begin to anticipate the

19 Jan 2007

Planning a ride is planning for life

How do you write an article on smart choices regarding drunk driving without it reading like every other article you've ever read on the subject?You could quote statistics such as how many vehicle accidents are alcohol related, or the number of alcohol-related deaths happened last year, but chances are no one will pay attention to the numbers.