Commentaries

May 29, 2012
Always ask an NCO

I once heard a story that took place a few years after the end of the Cold War. A Russian general was given a tour of a U.S. Air Force installation. He was shown the flight line, the base exchange, the gym and even the Airmen's dorms. In the parking lot behind the dorms, he was amazed to see a
May 15, 2012
The 'ABCs' of core values

Greetings fellow Knights! The focus of my commentary today is on our Air Force Core Values. Sure, I know, there have been hundreds if not thousands of such reviews and commentaries on this topic. But I think you'll find this to be a somewhat different approach, so please indulge me and give it a
May 7, 2012
The buck stops with all of us

A sign on President Harry Truman's desk read "The Buck Stops Here." That sign sat there for most of his administration, and it reminded him every day that he had to take action and accept ultimate responsibility for those actions. As the president, he knew he had to make tough decisions, and he
May 1, 2012
Teamwork: Know your role and responsibilities

About two years ago, I wrote a very similar article to this one. The basis was, and is, being a team player and understanding your roles and responsibilities, particularly in an emergency situation scenario. Reading the recent report from our last Condor Crest exercise, it was apparent that a
April 24, 2012
Put yourself first to lead effectively

Greetings Knights! Over the last year, wing leadership developed and promoted a new wing mission and vision. This vision, "America's most innovative and disciplined space wing - leaders, globally postured to dominate the high ground," is supported by our four priorities: Support the Current Fight;
April 17, 2012
You’ll play like you practice

I played a lot of basketball while in high school and college. When the team was loafing in practice, one of the phrases that the coach often repeated was, "You'll play like you practice!" What was the point of his warning? If you don't put forth your best effort in practice then your lack of
April 10, 2012
The closed loop system

A lesser-known fact about my front office is that both my executive officer and action officer are engineers. That means three things: First, I hear more than my share of corny jokes and puns in the office. Second, it means I often overhear the run-down of last night's Modern Marvels from outside my
April 2, 2012
Have a great Air Force day

Nearly every day, I wake up excited to go to work. Recently, I asked myself the question, "Why do I enjoy my job so much?" Beyond the obvious answer of satisfying an innate desire to be a part of something bigger than myself, I thought there had to be more to it. Almost immediately, the words of my
March 27, 2012
Getting it done

For many years, we've seen enlisted promotion rates steadily improve. In 1993, 16 percent of senior airmen made staff sergeant; just three years ago nearly half made E-5, and last year nearly 43 percent did. Clearly, the Air Force makes NCOs quicker than we did 20 years ago. But while a cadre of
March 21, 2012
Follow through -- finish the job

Hello Knights. Last time I spoke to you about leading through change. The principles I described were long enduring facets of leadership: Lead the Way, Enforce Standards and Know Your People. Today I'll review another facet of both leadership and followership, in fact a facet of military life --