COMMENTARY>>Standards and discipline

By Chief Master Sgt. Mark Marson
314th Airlift Wing command chief

“Be tough! Set your standards high and insist that your people measure up. Have the courage to correct those who fail to do so!” - Retired Gen. Louis Wilson, Pacific Air Forces commander

Have you ever been a part of an organization that earned an “Outstanding” rating from the inspector general? Have you ever been assigned to an organization that was recognized as “Best in Command” or “Best in Air Force?”

I’ve had the good fortune to be part of several organizations that earned such ratings and accolades. As the senior enlisted leader of those organizations, I attribute our team’s success to many things to include two areas I’d like to highlight here today: standards and discipline.

Let me outline a few basic standards common to all: As professionals we don’t violate established directives to include Air Force and unit level guidance. We’ve read and understood the rules and follow them all; that’s “Integrity First.” Each individual must attain and maintain a skill-level commensurate with their rank and position. We look and act like professionals dedicated to a calling; professionals who’ve answered their nation’s call and are willing to correct those who fail to measure up. Our resources, vehicles and equipment are treated as if they are our very own. Facilities and housing units are clean, safe and secure; our leaders conduct visits to ensure our people’s needs are met – Quality of Life is a must!

Would just issuing standards be good enough? It has been said standards are as good as the paper they are written on if they are not enforced. In military terms, discipline constitutes this enforcement. Discipline can come from several different places. It can come from within ourselves as self-discipline (the best form), it can come from our peers (not wanting to let them down), it can come from a task (“this task is so important that I must do it right”) or it can come from someone else and be imposed (the least preferred method). Typically if a standard isn’t met, it’s already time for imposed discipline because all the other forms have broken down and the standard hasn’t been met. If discipline isn’t imposed, the standard is worthless. Without discipline, there is no need to establish standards and units will falter or fail, putting this great nation at risk.

The bottom line is: The effective use of standards and discipline enables us to accomplish our mission and achieve “Excellence in All We Do”. As Airmen, we must have the integrity to correct those who fail to exercise discipline and remain mindful to save our highest praises for those who are “Truly Among the Best.”