The ultimate geographically separated unit support: Leadership Published April 4, 2011 By Col. Mark Allen 821st Air Base Group commander THULE AIR BASE, Greenland -- The chain of command. What does that phrase connote to you? It sounds strong, it sounds supportive, it sounds powerful. All of those were real-life impressions of the chain of command at Thule Air Base recently when Gen. William Shelton, commander of Air Force Space Command, visited Thule Air Base March 28 to 30. The general did something pretty ingenious: he invited the entire chain of command that supports Thule to join him. General Shelton had as guests Lt. Gen. Susan Helms, 14th Air Force commander; Brig. Gen. Samuel Greaves, AFSPC director of Plans, Programs and Analyses; Col. Stephen N. Whiting, 21st Space Wing commander; and Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Trottier, 21 SW command chief. We were also fortunate to have Mrs. Linda Shelton join us to survey the quality of life for Airmen and the Thule AB community. And as an entertainment treat for the men and women serving in the frozen north, Blue Steel, part of the U.S. Air Force Academy Band, was along for what turned out to be a spectacular visit. So, what does that have to do with GSU support? Everything. General Shelton was able to see firsthand how his staff has organized, trained, and equipped Thule for the missions of missile warning, space surveillance, space control and the emerging mission of missile defence. General Helms, as the Joint Force Component Commander of Space Forces, was able to see how her executing forces were fulfilling their roles for the combatant commander. And, she asked probing questions on responsiveness to contingency taskings and meeting warfighter requests. General Greaves was able to observe Thule to ensure it is right-sized to be organized, trained and equipped within our means and to meet the warfighter's needs. Colonel Whiting was able to watch firsthand his wing members demonstrate their proficiency, professionalism and grasp of their roles in fulfilling the wing's mission. Finally, Chief Trottier was able to see and meet the enlisted force and pass along professional development insights and perspectives during an enlisted call for Thule Airmen. Now, as a GSU commander, I dial in for numerous teleconferences, sit on many videoteleconferences, and must call long-distance for any number of issues. What General Shelton did was bring all the decision-makers to Thule. And quite frankly, the visit accomplished, by my estimate, what a year's worth of staffing would take. Why is that? Well, with tongue in cheek, I have heard generals say that once you make flag officer you never hear the truth again. And, while that may not be totally accurate, there are many equities in any given staffwork that are added in, as the package goes forward. Therefore, putting "eyes on" is vital for decision makers. Further, time is critical and general officers and wing commanders don't have any to spare. To have the entire chain of command captive on a remote island, 650 miles north of the Arctic Circle, brings a focus that you won't get in normal staffing venues. In fact, by the entire chain of command arriving at Thule, there is a synergistic effect that creates a surge of momentum for the unit. Basically, if the commanders are going to an area in which the staff is charged to support, the staff does hours of prep work to ensure that they are satisfied with the support. Additionally, by having the wing commander, who is responsible for six installations and many GSUs, the commanders get truth-in-advertising as they validate problems or suggest ways that other units are accomplishing the mission. Finally, appreciation. For anyone working GSU support, you really can't appreciate what your role is until you see the results of your support firsthand. The intersection of all those things rests on commanders who are responsible for it all. And, interestingly, the local commander gets to watch his team in action, learn where the unit might have some weaknesses, and validate the efforts of superior performers. In conclusion, we at Thule were a little tense when we heard that our entire chain of command would be visiting at the same time. We wondered how we'd support three general officers and our wing commander simultaneously. But, the support we offered was well worth the tremendous benefits of setting up the discussions for Thule issues over the years to come. General Shelton taught us a great lesson in GSU support. Direct leadership engagement is the key to successful mission accomplishment at our GSUs.