Core values architect speaks on Leadership to Team Peterson

Published Nov. 26, 2008
By 2nd Lt. Jonathan Simmons
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- "What is a leader?... Someone who makes things happen."
That was the question and answer retired Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ronald R. Fogleman used to kick off an address to Peterson Airmen Nov. 24 highlighting the Air Force Space Command's Year of Leadership November focus on Air Force Core Values.
Pointing out the importance of the chain of command, the general emphasized that an Airman at any level is a leader when he makes things happen. He also spoke about some of his own expectations for leaders during his tenure as chief of staff.
"If you're going to be a leader anywhere near associated with me, I expect integrity," he said of the first core value. "(I'd asked myself) can I trust him not to abuse the powers of his office? I'd never give a command to someone who would lead through fear or ignorance."

General Fogleman, the CSAF when the Air Force adopted the current set of Core Values, states in the core values Little Blue Book that "true quality is embodied in the actions of Air Force people who take decisive steps to improve processes and products" when describing 'excellence in all we do.'

To achieve excellence there's a need for Airmen to be technical experts in their fields, said the general, who challenged Airmen, particularly officers, to develop an overall knowledge of what the Air Force brings to the fight.

Today, more than 34,000 Airmen are deployed to contingencies across the globe bring various Air Force capabilities to the fight. Today's contingency environment continuously test Airmen's commitment to putting service before self.

"Our core expertise is fighting and winning America's wars," the Air Force's 15th chief of staff said. "We signed up to do something very special. Our oath includes a promise of unlimited liability. I've known a lot of doctors, but never one asked to die for a patient...and a lot of teachers, but never one asked to die for a student."

He underscored the fact that core values implemented by leaders at all levels are those bedrocks that make the military profession a great institution.

"I whole-heartedly subscribe to this philosophy," said Col. Jay Raymond, 21st Space Wing commander, after hearing the general's address. "One of the expectations I have from anyone who works for me is that they will develop leaders at all levels. The great ideas that fuel today's Air Force and the ideas that allow us to operate flawlessly in this wing flow in all directions, and that's leadership at all levels."

Airmen of all ranks and specialties from across Team Peterson packed the auditorium to learn from one of the Air Force's former leaders.

"Leadership is important at every level regardless of whether you sign EPRs," said Airman 1st Class Larson Beidler, 21st Comptroller Squadron. "At any level you can lead by setting an example for your peers. Core values are what separate us from our civilian counterparts; they're the uniform you can't take off."

Speaking for less than an hour, the general covered several topics surrounding core values, leadership, Air Force heritage and the Air Force today. After his address, the general took the time to answer questions from Airmen in the audience.

(Editor's Note: This article is one of several highlighting the Air Force Space Command Year of Leadership and its focus on Core Values)