Commentaries

Commentary Search

31 Mar 2014
Mentorship builds better Airmen at all levels
Mentorship is an important topic that comes with many views and questions, such as, "Why is mentorship important?" "Why do we need mentorship?" and "What are the causes and effects of mentorship?" Here are my personal views on why mentorship is important. First, I would like to specify that every person in the Air Force is important from the
31 Mar 2014
First-time motorcycle experience long time coming
I was in my sophomore year of high school and was about to cross the street to the school's main courtyard when I heard a loud low vroom. I looked over and there it was - a blue Yamaha R6. It was as if everything went into slow motion and what I noticed, just as pronounced as the bike, was its rider. She was slender, in shape and had the helmet to
21 Mar 2014
CCRI wraps up today
The inspectors from the Defense Information Systems Agency arrived Monday to test the Thunderbolt cyber rigor. It's the day our Command Cyber Readiness Inspection began. Many of you may have heard the phrase "CCRI," but may not understand what it is. Think it's just a "Communications Squadron" thing? Read on.The enemy works tirelessly to find a
21 Mar 2014
Time management key takeaway
My family and friends ask me all the time, "What are have you taken away from your Air Force experience thus far?" This question typically brings to mind many things, but I give them the usual, "I have learned how to be more responsible and independent." If there is one solitary thing I have pulled away from my Air Force experience, it would
7 Mar 2014
Drawdowns make communication vital
In 1991, I departed Saudi Arabia post Operation Desert Storm. At the time I couldn't imagine the day I would return to King Abdul Aziz Airport in Dhahran, also known as the "Kingdom," but 23 years later I have returned. From the control tower here, I could look out over the massive equipment yards all around the airfield and see the most incredible
7 Mar 2014
Find answer, don’t pass buck
What do you do when your subordinate asks you a challenging question? The question could be about anything such as career progression advice, educational advancement, family emergencies or Air Force instruction clarification. How do you respond to your subordinate? Do you quickly pass the buck and refer him to the group superintendent, first
28 Feb 2014
Life of single Airman full of opportunities
Many of the programs and talking points of our Air Force leaders center on taking care of families. Making sure our military dependents are taken care of is crucial for leaders at every level. However, with the ever-present emphasis on family first, many single Airmen find themselves asking, "Where do I fit into this?" Though single members may not
28 Feb 2014
Changing times challenge leadership
Over the next several months our leadership's prowess will be tested. On Dec. 11, 2013, Air Force senior leaders announced the rollout of several programs that may reduce our force by as much as 25,000 over the next five years. Unfortunately, several of our fellow Airmen will be saluted for their years of faithful service and respectfully asked to
21 Feb 2014
Are you carrying the FLAG?
With so many challenges and distractions hitting us every day, it can sometimes be difficult to keep focused and maintain a healthy perspective. Many things can affect your outlook - the daily grind ("Ground Hog Day"), changes in processes and procedures, a different work environment or just knowing it's your turn to deploy. Occasionally when a
21 Feb 2014
Leaders push others to discover strengths
Picture, for a moment, being in the midst of a challenge. How will you deal with that challenge? Will you shy away? Will you hide in the shadows of another's motivation and know-how? Or, will you move into the forefront and say I'm ready to lead? Leadership is not something found in a book, Air Force Instruction or guidance. Leadership is a state