Commentary: Teamwork wins game, prepares for challenges

  • Published
  • By Maj. Gerald Mulhollen
  • 56th Security Forces Squadron
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Allow me, if you would, to brag about a certain team that I hold close -- one that has won many awards both at an individual level and as a team.

For those of you who know me, you may think I'm talking about the New York Yankees or the Boston Celtics. While they are both great teams, they cannot compare to the team of professionals that make up the 56th Security Forces Squadron.

Seeing how this group of outstanding men and women has won the title of 2010 Air Force best medium-sized security forces squadron, they have earned bragging rights. I don't want to downplay the importance of what the men and women of the 56th SFS do for the Luke and Air Force missions.

Let me explain how individuals from around this great nation have become one of the best security forces squadrons in the entire Air Force. As all good sports fans know, a team is made up of coaches, veteran players and young talent. Around here, there is no short supply of these factors. It amazes me to see this team perform all tasks that are placed in front of them. Let's break down what I think a good team does. By the way, this is what the 56th SFS does daily.

First, when new members join the unit, they are met by the senior leadership of the squadron. Here they get the ins and outs of the organization. They and their families are welcomed and flooded with information.

Next, they head to training to learn how the game is played by this team. Here is where the foundation of their career or a shift from the old team into the big leagues starts.

After their training camp they head out to the bench where they meet the other players. They get to meet the seasoned veterans who provide more knowledge and guidance and are assigned to the one who will take care of their development. They don't sit on the bench for long. They are placed into potential life and death situations the minute they hit the field. This is why training camp and having a veteran player by your side are so important to a rookie member. All along the process they are encouraged to ask questions and to think of new and innovative ways to improve the team. Change is not always a bad thing.

The coaching staff, or unit leadership, dictates the plays and to some extent how they will be executed. But once the play is called the team on the field makes it happen. As the coach of this team I am happy to say that my players make it happen. Now I'm not saying that we're perfect; there are times when a time out needs to be called to have a discussion, but with this team those time outs are few and far between.

For us, our season is year round and the game is played 24 hours a day. This is a game that everyone on the team knows you can't lose, because if you do, you may not be around to play the next day.

Because the sport we play is so demanding, team work carries us through. Every player contributes and plays at peak performance. Ensuring that your teammates are ready and able to carry the load for you when you are hurt or just having a bad day is important and often emphasized to each member. It's the team that will win the game and it's the team that gets the job done day in and day out.

As the commander, or coach, I am proud to say that our team is ready for any and all challenges that come our way. Whether here on the home field or anywhere in the world, we are tasked to play the game. This team of defenders will play with everything they have and when others think they have nothing left, as a team, the 56th SFS will give more and win the day.