Time to Get Back to the Basics Published Nov. 26, 2008 By Col. John C. Sell 21st Medical Group commander PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- As a First Lieutenant in 1987, I was approaching the entrance to the Osan Officers Club in Korea to have lunch with Maj. Jim Kelley. The club awning jutted out about 15 feet or so from the actual entrance into the building and as we walked underneath it on a cold February afternoon, the base commander was leaving the club and approaching us. Major Kelley and I looked at each other in a perplexed manner wondering what we should do. Should we or shouldn't we salute the Colonel since we were technically under the cover of the awning? I clumsily offered, "Sir, I'm not certain if it's appropriate to salute you?" The base commander, in a very wise and noble manner replied, "Lieutenant Sell, you can never go wrong by rendering a salute." I learned a valuable lesson that day and obviously one that still rings loud in my mind today. It also ties into what our new Secretary of the Air Force Mike Donnelly and Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. Norton Schwartz, are stressing 21 years later to all of us who wear the Air Force uniform. Simply, "It's time to get back to the basics." And whether your role is to fly fighter jets, work in acquisitions, pull a wrench out on the flight line, sit night watch in Afghanistan, or dispense drugs in one of our pharmacies, it's our attention to detail and focusing on the basics which distinguishes us as Airmen in the U.S. Air Force and ensures we get the job done right. For me personally, the basics start with good order and discipline and perhaps more so - good manners and appropriate military protocol. Take a moment and ask yourself these questions: Does your uniform look clean and kept? Do your ribbons need to be replaced? Are the bottom edges of your BDUs or ABUs worn and frayed? Is your hair trimmed? Are your boots or shoes polished? Do you look like a crisp, sharp Airman who represents the very best of our uniformed services? If you think people won't notice - think again. It's noticed, people talk about it and it sets the tone of how people will remember you as an Airman and how you represent your flight, your squadron, your group, your wing......your Air Force. It's these basic steps and attention to detail that we practice each day that make us different from our civilian counterparts. I would argue it sets the tone that earns the trust of the American public; that sends a resounding message to those we work with and those we lead...without having to say a single word. The difference between a sharp Airman and an average one is that the sharp Airman knows that rank should be on their right when walking with a higher rank. The sharp Airman won't hurry to his car or wait in the doorway while exiting the building so they do not have to stand outside, face the sound of the music and salute after retreat. The sharp Airman will stand while speaking to the wing commander or the general officer if they are not seated at the table. The sharp Airman will stand when someone senior to them walks into their work area, look them in the eye and offer a hearty and sincere "Good morning, ma'am" or "Good afternoon, Chief, what can I do for you?" and feel good about it. There are probably some of you reading this saying, "C'mon, Colonel, how does walking on the correct side of someone equate to getting the job done?" My answer to you is, this attention to detail and appropriate customs & courtesies creates an atmosphere of professionalism and high standards which are precursors to quality. Former Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Bob Gaylor once told this story: One day, he and his neighbor were out working in their yards, mowing their grass, pulling weeds, and edging the lawn on a typical hot and humid San Antonio afternoon. When finished toiling in their yards, they met each other where their respective yards adjoined and took a much needed break. With their faces red and dripping in sweat and their bodies tired, they looked at each other and asked - why do we do this? They thought for a moment and said, "we do this because our name is on the mailbox," he said. Your reputation, what you represent, how you carry and present yourself to others is the name on your mailbox. You do it because you care. The demands on us who wear the uniform are many and always will be because not everyone is given the opportunity and privilege to serve in the world's greatest Air Force. Is it realistic to expect we will never make mistakes? No. The expectation is to strive for perfection, pay attention to the details and challenge ourselves to improve every day, and my advice on the best way to accomplish this is to get back to the basics. (Editor's Note: This article is one of several highlighting the Air Force Space Command Year of Leadership)