By Senior Airman Dennis Gardner
19th Services Squadron Base Honor Guard assistant manager
When we limit our ways of thinking, we also limit what options and opportunities we have. People of all races and ethnic back grounds should always strive to learn more about those who are different from them and the month of February gives us that opportunity.
February is designated Black History Month. It is important to observe this month and recognize the achievements and contributions of African Americans to American society.
History is what makes us who we are and it reminds us of where we come from. Black History Month not only illuminates the accomplishments of blacks, it illuminates the fact that we all can accomplish great things despite our circumstances.
We should celebrate the invention of the gas mask by Garrett Morgan, which was initially made to provide clean air for firefighters and coal miners. Today, we are fighting a War on Terrorism and the gas mask is critical to our survival while deployed. Garrett Morgan’s invention laid the groundwork for the gas mask we use and for that it is a part of history and important to acknowledge.
Our remembrance of those who have fought for the equality, freedom and justice for all people, is a way to show appreciation for the doors they have opened. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 ended segregation and less than 45 years later we witnessed history with the election of our first Black U.S. President.
Our future is symbolizing change and for those of us in uniform, we should reflect on our military progression and remember the Buffalo Soldiers, the Tuskegee Airmen and times when we defended the nation in segregated combat. We are now united and depend on one another for support within our military services both at our duty stations and deployed environments.
It is important for us to understand, appreciate and remember those trailblazers who set the standards for achieving equality and overcoming diversity. For that I am proud to celebrate and embrace my heritage.
Friday, February 13, 2009
View from the Top>>Are we really that different?
By Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Brinkley
19th Airlift Wing command chief
As we finished the wing run last week, I made my way back to our headquarters and stood under the U.S. flag for a moment and began to reflect. We are all a part of a great nation built on working everyday to become a more perfect union. Yet, I do believe it’s important to understand the unique backgrounds each of us bring with them. So I’m also a fan of learning opportunities that celebrate our diverse culture. But when the base as a whole ran together in our PT gear, I couldn’t tell who was who, all I knew was that I was part of a tremendous team.
I guess the point I’m trying to make is that those things that we have in common are the things that make us who we are. Those of us that have worn the uniform, past and present, or support those that wear the uniform have decided we care enough about our way of life to defend it with our lives. I also think most people want to live in decent neighborhoods, have employment and health security while establishing a leg up for their offspring. Although, I can notice the distinctions in people, such as color, gender, cultural traditions, and language to name a few; I still believe deep down that we aren’t that different.
I believe our challenge is to take the opportunity to better understand each other, while all of us take care of our mission our families and our communities. We can equally celebrate the things we have in common while developing a strong knowledge of those unique attributes each of us bring to the table. If we are going to continue to become a more perfect union, then let’s focus on those things that unite us, while eliminating those things that divide us. Are we really that different?
Combat Airlift!
19th Airlift Wing command chief
As we finished the wing run last week, I made my way back to our headquarters and stood under the U.S. flag for a moment and began to reflect. We are all a part of a great nation built on working everyday to become a more perfect union. Yet, I do believe it’s important to understand the unique backgrounds each of us bring with them. So I’m also a fan of learning opportunities that celebrate our diverse culture. But when the base as a whole ran together in our PT gear, I couldn’t tell who was who, all I knew was that I was part of a tremendous team.
I guess the point I’m trying to make is that those things that we have in common are the things that make us who we are. Those of us that have worn the uniform, past and present, or support those that wear the uniform have decided we care enough about our way of life to defend it with our lives. I also think most people want to live in decent neighborhoods, have employment and health security while establishing a leg up for their offspring. Although, I can notice the distinctions in people, such as color, gender, cultural traditions, and language to name a few; I still believe deep down that we aren’t that different.
I believe our challenge is to take the opportunity to better understand each other, while all of us take care of our mission our families and our communities. We can equally celebrate the things we have in common while developing a strong knowledge of those unique attributes each of us bring to the table. If we are going to continue to become a more perfect union, then let’s focus on those things that unite us, while eliminating those things that divide us. Are we really that different?
Combat Airlift!
View from the Top>>Three wings, one team
By Col. Gregory S. Otey
19th Airlift Wing commander
Team Little Rock – Home of Combat Airlift
There are three words we hear daily as we go about our business here. They’re on letterheads and the marquees, used in e-mails and Commander’s Calls, written in performance reports and spoken at staff meetings. They are: “Team Little Rock.” You can’t taxi a Herk or drive through our gates without running across the phrase.
Bases across the Air Force have come to embrace the term “team” and it may seem almost cliché to some. But most clichés are cliché for a reason – they’re so prevalent they become true. At The Rock, we take the team concept to an entirely new level and use it to impact operations around the world.
Anyone who makes their living in or around the C-130 gets their start here. Col. C.K. Hyde commands the 314th Airlift Wing. Their mission is to lay the foundation for the finest C-130 aviators and maintainers in the Air Force. They train these airlifters to fly, fight and win. More than 900 professional Airmen make this happen every day.
Additional training is provided by Col. Jim Summers and the men and women of the Air National Guard’s 189th Airlift Wing. They train C-130 aircrew to become instructors in their respective crew positions so they can return to their units and keep their members combat ready. They are also one of two flight engineer schools that provide entry-level flight engineer training.
The 314th AW and the 189th AW work in concert to train and educate providing the foundation for all Combat Airlifters. The 19 AW takes their product and with a little additional training and equipping we make them deployment ready. We ensure these Airmen are equipped and ready to answer our nation’s call. When that call comes, it doesn’t matter what patch you wear or what your wing guidon says. When we provided medical evacuation and security to the people of Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi following Hurricane Gustav, Americans didn’t thank a wing – they were grateful to a team. A tsunami rocked the Southeast Asian region known as Myanmar and Burma and we got the call. The world didn’t see lifesaving supplies from a squadron or group – they watched in awe as tail flashes proudly announced “The Rock” was there to help. A U.S. Marine, Soldier or one of our own Airmen performing a Joint Expeditionary Tasking with convoy duty will express his or her gratitude each time we’re able to take one of their convoys off the road in Iraq. They are not just thanking the Black Knights of the 19th AW, they are thankful “Team Little Rock” was producing Combat Airlifters.
Your actions each day are the embodiment of what it means to be part of “Team Little Rock.” I am very proud to lead this team and all its Combat Airlifters. You put the "Air" in Combat Airlift!
19th Airlift Wing commander
Team Little Rock – Home of Combat Airlift
There are three words we hear daily as we go about our business here. They’re on letterheads and the marquees, used in e-mails and Commander’s Calls, written in performance reports and spoken at staff meetings. They are: “Team Little Rock.” You can’t taxi a Herk or drive through our gates without running across the phrase.
Bases across the Air Force have come to embrace the term “team” and it may seem almost cliché to some. But most clichés are cliché for a reason – they’re so prevalent they become true. At The Rock, we take the team concept to an entirely new level and use it to impact operations around the world.
Anyone who makes their living in or around the C-130 gets their start here. Col. C.K. Hyde commands the 314th Airlift Wing. Their mission is to lay the foundation for the finest C-130 aviators and maintainers in the Air Force. They train these airlifters to fly, fight and win. More than 900 professional Airmen make this happen every day.
Additional training is provided by Col. Jim Summers and the men and women of the Air National Guard’s 189th Airlift Wing. They train C-130 aircrew to become instructors in their respective crew positions so they can return to their units and keep their members combat ready. They are also one of two flight engineer schools that provide entry-level flight engineer training.
The 314th AW and the 189th AW work in concert to train and educate providing the foundation for all Combat Airlifters. The 19 AW takes their product and with a little additional training and equipping we make them deployment ready. We ensure these Airmen are equipped and ready to answer our nation’s call. When that call comes, it doesn’t matter what patch you wear or what your wing guidon says. When we provided medical evacuation and security to the people of Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi following Hurricane Gustav, Americans didn’t thank a wing – they were grateful to a team. A tsunami rocked the Southeast Asian region known as Myanmar and Burma and we got the call. The world didn’t see lifesaving supplies from a squadron or group – they watched in awe as tail flashes proudly announced “The Rock” was there to help. A U.S. Marine, Soldier or one of our own Airmen performing a Joint Expeditionary Tasking with convoy duty will express his or her gratitude each time we’re able to take one of their convoys off the road in Iraq. They are not just thanking the Black Knights of the 19th AW, they are thankful “Team Little Rock” was producing Combat Airlifters.
Your actions each day are the embodiment of what it means to be part of “Team Little Rock.” I am very proud to lead this team and all its Combat Airlifters. You put the "Air" in Combat Airlift!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Top Story>>New wing commander discusses priorities
by Staff Sgt. Juan Torres
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
The 19th Airlift Wing welcomed Col. Gregory S. Otey, former Air Force Expeditionary Center vice commander, with a change of ceremony held Jan. 28 at Hangar 276.
Colonel Otey, who previously served here as Weapons Officer at the C-130 Weapons School from 1995 to 1997, felt very fortunate and excited to return to Little Rock Air Force Base as the host wing commander.
“[My wife] Lisa and I met here,” he added. “We lived here for two years. Two of my sons, Jacob and Chris, were born here and I have been to Little Rock AFB numerous other times throughout my Air Force career for temporary duties and training—it truly is the Home of C-130 Combat Airlift.”
The new wing commander describes his leader style as “servant leadership.” According to the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership, the phrase “servant leadership” was coined by Robert K. Greenleaf in a 1970 essay titled “The Servant as Leader” which states “The servant-leader is servant first… It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead. That person is sharply different from one who is leader first, perhaps because of the need to assuage an unusual power drive or to acquire material possessions...The difference manifests itself in the care taken by the servant-first to make sure that other people’s highest priority needs are being served.”
T
he colonel also described his main leadership philosophy. “Simple—mission first, people always, 19th Airlift Wing excellence always,” he said.
Colonel Otey discussed some of the quality of life issues he would like to champion to benefit Team Little Rock Airmen and their families.
“Some of the issues that I would like to tackle are privatized housing, a base our Airmen and families are proud of and to help improve schools for our kids in the local area,” he said.
When asked about his goals while in command of the 19th Airlift Wing, Colonel Otey said he has purposely not set any goals at this time because he wanted see which areas would be the most effective use of resources.
“I want to see what is working and what we can improve on and create goals based on that to take us to the next level,”said the colonel.
The commander described Team Little Rock's Combat Airlift mission and its importance “as an enabler in this nation's ability to fight the Global War on Terrorism.”
“Combat Airlift helps provide sustainment for the warfighter. It takes convoys off the road, reducing ground force exposure to enemy attacks. Through our airdrop capability it provides resupply for isolated troops who cannot get resupplied by other means. It transports wounded warriors to lifesaving care,” he added.
The colonel views the relationship between Team Little Rock and the local community as outstanding.
“Take a look at the number of community leaders who came out for the change of command...there were a lot.” he said. “The local community takes pride in their Air Force Base and the Airmen of Little Rock AFB are very fortunate to have such great community support. I want to help that relationship grow to the next level.”
The colonel concluded by expressing his thrill at returning to the center of the C-130 universe and describing his plans while here at The Rock.
“I am very excited to be here and look forward to leading the 19th Airlift Wing Black Knights and Team Little Rock,” he said. “I plan to work with our Airmen and community partners to ensure that when people hear about Little Rock AFB they will know it is the Home of C-130 Combat Airlift and we provide Unrivaled Combat Airlift for America...Always!”
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
The 19th Airlift Wing welcomed Col. Gregory S. Otey, former Air Force Expeditionary Center vice commander, with a change of ceremony held Jan. 28 at Hangar 276.
Colonel Otey, who previously served here as Weapons Officer at the C-130 Weapons School from 1995 to 1997, felt very fortunate and excited to return to Little Rock Air Force Base as the host wing commander.
“[My wife] Lisa and I met here,” he added. “We lived here for two years. Two of my sons, Jacob and Chris, were born here and I have been to Little Rock AFB numerous other times throughout my Air Force career for temporary duties and training—it truly is the Home of C-130 Combat Airlift.”
The new wing commander describes his leader style as “servant leadership.” According to the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership, the phrase “servant leadership” was coined by Robert K. Greenleaf in a 1970 essay titled “The Servant as Leader” which states “The servant-leader is servant first… It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead. That person is sharply different from one who is leader first, perhaps because of the need to assuage an unusual power drive or to acquire material possessions...The difference manifests itself in the care taken by the servant-first to make sure that other people’s highest priority needs are being served.”
T
he colonel also described his main leadership philosophy. “Simple—mission first, people always, 19th Airlift Wing excellence always,” he said.
Colonel Otey discussed some of the quality of life issues he would like to champion to benefit Team Little Rock Airmen and their families.
“Some of the issues that I would like to tackle are privatized housing, a base our Airmen and families are proud of and to help improve schools for our kids in the local area,” he said.
When asked about his goals while in command of the 19th Airlift Wing, Colonel Otey said he has purposely not set any goals at this time because he wanted see which areas would be the most effective use of resources.
“I want to see what is working and what we can improve on and create goals based on that to take us to the next level,”said the colonel.
The commander described Team Little Rock's Combat Airlift mission and its importance “as an enabler in this nation's ability to fight the Global War on Terrorism.”
“Combat Airlift helps provide sustainment for the warfighter. It takes convoys off the road, reducing ground force exposure to enemy attacks. Through our airdrop capability it provides resupply for isolated troops who cannot get resupplied by other means. It transports wounded warriors to lifesaving care,” he added.
The colonel views the relationship between Team Little Rock and the local community as outstanding.
“Take a look at the number of community leaders who came out for the change of command...there were a lot.” he said. “The local community takes pride in their Air Force Base and the Airmen of Little Rock AFB are very fortunate to have such great community support. I want to help that relationship grow to the next level.”
The colonel concluded by expressing his thrill at returning to the center of the C-130 universe and describing his plans while here at The Rock.
“I am very excited to be here and look forward to leading the 19th Airlift Wing Black Knights and Team Little Rock,” he said. “I plan to work with our Airmen and community partners to ensure that when people hear about Little Rock AFB they will know it is the Home of C-130 Combat Airlift and we provide Unrivaled Combat Airlift for America...Always!”
Top Story>>Little Rock Air Force Base military working dog passes away
By Senior Airman Richard Saab
19th Security Forces Squadron
The 19th Security Forces Squadron recently lost a valued member of its base defense team. Rex, an Explosives Detector Dog, served honorably for over eight years. He entered the military like all other defenders at Lackland AFB, Texas, on March 30th, 2000 at two years of age. Following his training, Rex distinguished himself with impeccable service in many different environments, time and time again. He was frequently selected to protect highly distinguished U.S. political figures and foreign dignitaries alike. On one special assignment, he and his handler were charged with the protection of heads of state from nine separate Central American countries. Further, Rex and his handler provided world-class security and screening during multiple U.S. presidential visits, performing admirably at each event. Rex’s last handler, SSgt Benjamin Bomar, related that “Rex was very loyal and reliable and could always be counted on to get the job done.” Following the 2001 attack on the U.S. and the anthrax scare only the best could be entrusted with the protection of the United States, again Rex answered the call. In February of 2002, Rex supported the successful Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. Rex served selflessly with a flawless record in 10 different overseas deployed locations with eight different military working dog handlers over his career. He searched hundreds of vehicles and buildings each day, enabling safe and secure military operations across the globe. Rex protected innumerable personnel, critical assets, and military resources over his career. Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Eha, 19th Security Forces Squadron kennel master, related that “He was loved by those he served with and will be sorely missed.”
Rex succumbed to severe respiratory complications and passed away at the age of 11. He spent his entire military career in the protection of others and his presence let the populace breathe easy. Rex was a hero among us and will not be forgotten.
19th Security Forces Squadron
The 19th Security Forces Squadron recently lost a valued member of its base defense team. Rex, an Explosives Detector Dog, served honorably for over eight years. He entered the military like all other defenders at Lackland AFB, Texas, on March 30th, 2000 at two years of age. Following his training, Rex distinguished himself with impeccable service in many different environments, time and time again. He was frequently selected to protect highly distinguished U.S. political figures and foreign dignitaries alike. On one special assignment, he and his handler were charged with the protection of heads of state from nine separate Central American countries. Further, Rex and his handler provided world-class security and screening during multiple U.S. presidential visits, performing admirably at each event. Rex’s last handler, SSgt Benjamin Bomar, related that “Rex was very loyal and reliable and could always be counted on to get the job done.” Following the 2001 attack on the U.S. and the anthrax scare only the best could be entrusted with the protection of the United States, again Rex answered the call. In February of 2002, Rex supported the successful Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. Rex served selflessly with a flawless record in 10 different overseas deployed locations with eight different military working dog handlers over his career. He searched hundreds of vehicles and buildings each day, enabling safe and secure military operations across the globe. Rex protected innumerable personnel, critical assets, and military resources over his career. Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Eha, 19th Security Forces Squadron kennel master, related that “He was loved by those he served with and will be sorely missed.”
Rex succumbed to severe respiratory complications and passed away at the age of 11. He spent his entire military career in the protection of others and his presence let the populace breathe easy. Rex was a hero among us and will not be forgotten.
Commentary>>Warrior: Affirming the Air Force ethos
I am an American Airman, Wingman, leader and warrior
By Col. Charles K. Hyde
314th Airlift Wing Commander
The United States Air Force is the dominant global force in history – deterrence, global strike, global mobility, combat delivery, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, special operations – our Air Force brings unprecedented capabilities to combatant commanders and our nation. We possess cutting edge technology, outstanding facilities, and have an unrivaled and unique understanding of how to bring air power to bear, but these are not the foundation of our true strength. Our strength emanates from the world’s greatest Airmen.
Yes, people are our strength, but it is more than people. Many airlines, companies, and civic organizations have excellent people. What makes Airmen different is the warrior ethos. I am an American Airman – Wingman, Leader, WARRIOR. We are heirs to a great legacy which includes great warriors such as Rickenbacker, Gabreski, Bong, Sijan, and Levitow; and great achievements such as Big Week, the Berlin Airlift, the relief of Khe San, and air power’s unprecedented role in Allied Force, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The Airmen’s warrior commitments to fly, fight, and win is what makes us the world’s greatest Air Force.
In the 314th Airlift Wing, warriors train warriors. Our instructor force has over 100,000 hours of combat experience. The ability of the Air Force to fulfill its role of operational and tactical airlift depends upon the foundation that the 314th AW builds. A strong foundation is essential for success in the long war against terrorism, success on battlefields that we can’t predict, and in battles that our students, and not us, will fight in the future. This warrior ethos and commitment to
mission accomplishment start at Little Rock AFB and the 314th Airlift Wing.
We should be proud of the world’s greatest Air Force and our heritage of combat excellence, and promote the warrior ethos that is essential to our nation’s defense.
By Col. Charles K. Hyde
314th Airlift Wing Commander
The United States Air Force is the dominant global force in history – deterrence, global strike, global mobility, combat delivery, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, special operations – our Air Force brings unprecedented capabilities to combatant commanders and our nation. We possess cutting edge technology, outstanding facilities, and have an unrivaled and unique understanding of how to bring air power to bear, but these are not the foundation of our true strength. Our strength emanates from the world’s greatest Airmen.
Yes, people are our strength, but it is more than people. Many airlines, companies, and civic organizations have excellent people. What makes Airmen different is the warrior ethos. I am an American Airman – Wingman, Leader, WARRIOR. We are heirs to a great legacy which includes great warriors such as Rickenbacker, Gabreski, Bong, Sijan, and Levitow; and great achievements such as Big Week, the Berlin Airlift, the relief of Khe San, and air power’s unprecedented role in Allied Force, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The Airmen’s warrior commitments to fly, fight, and win is what makes us the world’s greatest Air Force.
In the 314th Airlift Wing, warriors train warriors. Our instructor force has over 100,000 hours of combat experience. The ability of the Air Force to fulfill its role of operational and tactical airlift depends upon the foundation that the 314th AW builds. A strong foundation is essential for success in the long war against terrorism, success on battlefields that we can’t predict, and in battles that our students, and not us, will fight in the future. This warrior ethos and commitment to
mission accomplishment start at Little Rock AFB and the 314th Airlift Wing.
We should be proud of the world’s greatest Air Force and our heritage of combat excellence, and promote the warrior ethos that is essential to our nation’s defense.
Commentary>>Successful change lies with solid leadership
By Senior Master Sgt. Leslie Snyder
19th Communications Squadron superintendent
I remember the moment well. My fellow high school freshman English students and I paced around nervously, waiting to begin our first public speaking assignments of our lives. Mrs. Zink, our teacher, tried to calm our anxieties by reminding us that the two biggest human fears are death and public speaking.
Mrs. Zink may have been right about those two fears, but I believe she should have added “change” to that list. Most tremble at the thought of anything out of the ordinary – starting a new job, getting married, permanent change of station moves, even getting a new supervisor or the uncertainty that goes along with the extra responsibilities of being promoted. But it does not have to be that way.
If you would like to get a different perspective on change, I highly recommend you read the book “Who Moved my Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson, MD. This short book will certainly give you a different perspective on change. If you are in a position of leadership, this book will help make you a better leader because it will help you guide your subordinates through change. Solid leadership is vital when adapting to change.
If you want to make a difference as a leader, it is imperative that you overcome your fear of change. In fact, the best leaders are willing to lean forward and shake things up. Do you want to be remembered by your subordinates and co-workers as someone who just helped your section meet mission requirements, or do you want to take it a step further and be remembered as someone who truly made a difference? The best leaders find a better way of doing things, persevered through problems or successfully navigated a shortage of people and resources to get the job done, smarter and more efficient.
Our Air Force is in the middle of some of the most dramatic changes since the inception of our branch of service in 1947. According to Airman Magazine, fiscal 2007 end strength of our active force was 328,808, which is the lowest total ever. Guard, reserve and civilian end strength remained steady. The fact that our force is challenged with limited personnel yet remains deeply involved in supporting the Global War on Terrorism speaks volumes about the change many of us are feeling in our daily work lives. Air Force leaders at every level are taking on the challenge of maintaining mission accomplishment with fewer resources. But what can we do to help our youngest Airmen adjust to the additional stress of change?
A good place to start is to assess a question our new 19th Airlift Wing commander, Col Otey, has been asking several Airmen. “What is your role in making the Combat Airlift mission successful?” Vision is critical component in overcoming change. Supervisors have a responsibility to make sure those under them understand their role in the unit and how it supports the bigger picture of Combat Airlift. This lays the foundation to successfully navigate through the changes we are experiencing in our career fields, as it will keep a clear sight of vision and goals and the overall priority for every member of the base. Once each person in your section or unit has a grasp on their place in completing the mission, it is time to embrace several leadership qualities that will lead us through these turbulent times.
– The determination to share the vision of embracing new ideas and challenges with every Airman who shares a stake in Combat Airlift mission success
– The energy to inspire subordinates to action in order to successfully achieve goals.
– The foresight to empower the right people to learn new skills and stretch their capabilities.
Negotiating change depends on leaders who can energize operations; inspire those under them, capture the purpose of the change and turn it into commitment to the overall goals of the organization. Look around this base, whether it is the Airman filling a prescription at the medical group, an NCO maintenance supervisor on the flight line or the company grade officer executive officer in one of the groups. There is one common theme – smart, dedicated people who are willing and able to persevere through challenges to ensure the Combat Airlift mission is successful. The people are in place, we just need to persevere through it.
19th Communications Squadron superintendent
I remember the moment well. My fellow high school freshman English students and I paced around nervously, waiting to begin our first public speaking assignments of our lives. Mrs. Zink, our teacher, tried to calm our anxieties by reminding us that the two biggest human fears are death and public speaking.
Mrs. Zink may have been right about those two fears, but I believe she should have added “change” to that list. Most tremble at the thought of anything out of the ordinary – starting a new job, getting married, permanent change of station moves, even getting a new supervisor or the uncertainty that goes along with the extra responsibilities of being promoted. But it does not have to be that way.
If you would like to get a different perspective on change, I highly recommend you read the book “Who Moved my Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson, MD. This short book will certainly give you a different perspective on change. If you are in a position of leadership, this book will help make you a better leader because it will help you guide your subordinates through change. Solid leadership is vital when adapting to change.
If you want to make a difference as a leader, it is imperative that you overcome your fear of change. In fact, the best leaders are willing to lean forward and shake things up. Do you want to be remembered by your subordinates and co-workers as someone who just helped your section meet mission requirements, or do you want to take it a step further and be remembered as someone who truly made a difference? The best leaders find a better way of doing things, persevered through problems or successfully navigated a shortage of people and resources to get the job done, smarter and more efficient.
Our Air Force is in the middle of some of the most dramatic changes since the inception of our branch of service in 1947. According to Airman Magazine, fiscal 2007 end strength of our active force was 328,808, which is the lowest total ever. Guard, reserve and civilian end strength remained steady. The fact that our force is challenged with limited personnel yet remains deeply involved in supporting the Global War on Terrorism speaks volumes about the change many of us are feeling in our daily work lives. Air Force leaders at every level are taking on the challenge of maintaining mission accomplishment with fewer resources. But what can we do to help our youngest Airmen adjust to the additional stress of change?
A good place to start is to assess a question our new 19th Airlift Wing commander, Col Otey, has been asking several Airmen. “What is your role in making the Combat Airlift mission successful?” Vision is critical component in overcoming change. Supervisors have a responsibility to make sure those under them understand their role in the unit and how it supports the bigger picture of Combat Airlift. This lays the foundation to successfully navigate through the changes we are experiencing in our career fields, as it will keep a clear sight of vision and goals and the overall priority for every member of the base. Once each person in your section or unit has a grasp on their place in completing the mission, it is time to embrace several leadership qualities that will lead us through these turbulent times.
– The determination to share the vision of embracing new ideas and challenges with every Airman who shares a stake in Combat Airlift mission success
– The energy to inspire subordinates to action in order to successfully achieve goals.
– The foresight to empower the right people to learn new skills and stretch their capabilities.
Negotiating change depends on leaders who can energize operations; inspire those under them, capture the purpose of the change and turn it into commitment to the overall goals of the organization. Look around this base, whether it is the Airman filling a prescription at the medical group, an NCO maintenance supervisor on the flight line or the company grade officer executive officer in one of the groups. There is one common theme – smart, dedicated people who are willing and able to persevere through challenges to ensure the Combat Airlift mission is successful. The people are in place, we just need to persevere through it.
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