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1 Aug 2014
In your comfort zone? Get out!
Being promoted means you are ready to take on the next level of roles and responsibilities, but how do you prepare for the next level of responsibilities? One tactic that has worked for me is to step outside my comfort zone. By doing this, I've learned more about the Air Force and experienced more situations than if I had stayed safe within my
1 Aug 2014
Service before self, but don't forget about self
As Airmen, we live and breathe the Air Force core values on a daily basis. However, don't let our second core value, service before self, distract you from actually taking care of yourself. In my 13 years of active-duty service, there is one regret I hear most from people both in and out of the service, "I wish I would have done better at school."
25 Jul 2014
Strong followers challenge authority
It's not surprising that when I tell subordinates to challenge authority, I often get a look of confusion. Admittedly, this is a step used to provoke thought. Obviously, we don't need subordinates undermining their leader's authority. My intent is not to create insubordination -- it is to underscore the importance of strong followership.Great
25 Jul 2014
Travel access, opportunities not to be ignored
Possibly one of the greatest and overlooked gifts we have in the military is our ability to travel.More often than not, we are stationed at bases around the world where we have the access and opportunity to travel and see the local sites. However, it happens way too often that we ignore those opportunities. Suddenly we receive orders to change duty
17 Jul 2014
Is being good, good enough?
In today's Air Force can you settle with just being good? I say, "No." With the Air Force executing the deepest force cuts since the end of the cold war with programs such as the Quality Force Review Board and the Enlisted Retention Board, what you do and how well you do it matters more now than ever before.How well do you stack up? More
17 Jul 2014
Your career – as easy as 1, 2, 3
Oftentimes at retirements we hear the phrase, "This is one chapter in my life." No matter what our goal is, whether it is to serve for four years or 20 years, each of us will leave the Air Force at some point. This leads to the question, "What does it take to have an Air Force career?" Some might consider it to be as easy as 1, 2 and 3.One, do your
11 Jul 2014
Adaptability a ‘must’ in today’s Air Force
Three years ago, I entered the Air Force as a general dentist. After completing four challenging years of dental school, I was eager to serve in the Air Force and use my newly developed skills to provide quality care to Airmen. What I quickly came to realize was the misconception that dentistry would be my only responsibility in the Air Force. It
11 Jul 2014
Military life requires balancing act
Answering the call to duty and being in the military is no easy task. Many sacrifice so much serving our country. This all goes hand-in-hand with the core value of "service before self."I think we could all agree the biggest sacrifice made is the time taken away from family, friends and personal time. It is a constant juggling act, and sometimes it
27 Jun 2014
Make time for Airmen, NCOs
We are all very busy these days. Our force is shrinking but our mission stays the same. I often hear people complain that they just do not have enough time. Two things leaders at all levels need to make time for are our Airmen and junior NCOs.Leaders are often stretched so thin that they neglect to ensure Airmen uphold the standards. They let the
27 Jun 2014
Culture change requires new way to think
The racist comments made by Donald Sterling, the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, shocked the nation and were met with extreme displeasure by most Americans.Though the details can be heavily debated, it's safe to say that most Airmen believe the comments were inappropriate for one reason or another. In the infamous recording, Mr. Sterling tries