VIEW FROM THE TOP >> Focus on the positive around us

By Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Brinkley
314th Airlift Wing command chief


In the profession of arms, we are called to build up what is broken down. We are charged with continually improving our skills to deploy the most lethal and prepared force the world has ever seen. With a focus on constant improvement, we have to be careful to not only see the things that need fixing; around us there are many things that are happening smoothly and are otherwise going great.

When we drive onto the base, we are reminded of the unit that committed the last criminal act of drinking and driving. I have sat in meetings about those who choose to drink underage or use illegal drugs. Also I’ve heard and met those who have departed from our core values by treating others unfairly or taking something not belonging to them. Yet, in actuality, these people and their actions reflect less than one percent of our team.

Any organization would love to have a 99 percent success rate, and we have that here at Team Little Rock with our people. You see, the overwhelming majority of Team Little Rock “gets it.”

To you I want to say “thanks” for your dedicated focus and true professionalism. I encourage you to do the same thing to those around you who have truly accepted the mantle of responsibility and wield it wisely and respectfully.

We owe it to them to put our energy and time on those who have demonstrated by attitudes and actions they are on board.
I understand the 80/20 rule where you place 80 percent of your time on the 20 percent of your personnel who won’t conform. Here at Team Little Rock, I challenge you to reverse that and focus on the ones who are doing great things.

We can provide opportunities to the others to correct their course, but if not, then we thank them for their service and wish them well in their future endeavors outside of the Air Force. The bottom line is that we have a tremendous team here at Little Rock, and I personally thank you all for what you do for our nation.

Combat Airlift!