Airman, NCO calls stress leadership at all levels

Published Oct. 30, 2008
By Corey Dahl
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Think leadership is just for officers and supervisors? Better think again.
According to Chief Master Sgt. Tim Omdal, the 21st Space Wing's command chief, leadership is every Airman's responsibility - from the lowliest airman basic to the most powerful four-star general.

At a series of Airman and non-commissioned officer calls Oct. 28, Chief Omdal outlined Air Force and Wing expectations for junior enlisted personnel here, stressing the importance of leadership at every level.

"Air Force Space Command has made this the Year of Leadership because of some of the things that have happened lately," he said. "But, really, every year is a year of leadership in the Air Force."

Chief Omdal talked to those in attendance about what's required and expected of them - things like getting and staying fit, being a good Wingman and practicing and enforcing Air Force standards. Most importantly, he said, Airmen need to commit to the Air Force as a career and a way of life, not just a job.

"If this is just a job to you, you probably need to reassess, because it's not going to get any better," he said. "We're a nation at war. A lot of you have deployed already, and more will probably deploy in the future. If you're going to stay in, I want you to be committed. I want this to be a profession you're proud to be in."

He encouraged Airmen and NCOs to seek out leadership and educational opportunities and to join base, community and professional groups, such as the Junior Enlisted Association. NCOs should also be actively growing the Airmen they supervise by volunteering them for opportunities, paying attention to what's going on in their lives, and leading by example.

"Our Airmen can be challenging and time-consuming, but ultimately rewarding," Chief Omdal said. "I hope you all understand the impact you have on them as a supervisor."

Leadership, compliance and accountability are taking on increasing importance as the Air Force continues to "do more with less," Chief Omdal said. He promised that efforts are being made to work smarter and eliminate outdated, time-consuming processes, and he encouraged Airmen to push any issues they're having up the chain of command.

Every Airman, he reminded the audience, is important to the Air Force organization - no matter his or her rank.

"Every person here plays a vital role in fulfilling not just the 21st Space Wing mission, but the Air Force mission as a whole," he said. "You, all of you, are critical to what we do."

Airman's Call