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Commentary Search

  • It may only take a simple note

    A few months ago I was having dinner with a chief at a graduation banquet, and he was telling me about his master's degree thesis on Air Force awards. I will spare you the details of his thesis, but what was interesting was how he became interested in this topic. It turns out his unit received the

  • IFF - IG friend or foe?

    In the aviation world, aircraft are identified by a black box called an IFF (Identification, Friend or Foe). It tells air traffic control and air defense entities whether an aircraft is friendly or not. Unfortunately, your local Inspector General doesn't have a black box (or a sign over their head

  • Uniform standards: Convenience vs. compliance

    DoD and service-specific standards are critical to conducting business in the time constrained, hostile environment of fighting the Global War on Terrorism at home and abroad. Recent incidents involving the handling of nuclear weapons and related components highlight the importance of adhering to

  • Taking care of Airmen, families and yourself

    Taking care of Airmen and families is a core value and belief that forms part of the foundation of our great service. This is not a meaningless motto or saying, but a principle all of us practice and live by on a daily basis. We can see countless examples of these every day. Whether it is spending a

  • Tankers: From a Question Mark to Today's Fight

    Air refueling operations continue to be amazing aerial feats, especially for people who witness the process for the first time. As mobility Airmen, we consider it simply part of what we do but, in reality, it is quite remarkable to have two aircraft meeting less than 50 feet apart at more than

  • Taking care of each other throughout the year

    "Learn from the mistakes of others. You will not live long enough to make them all yourself."  - Martin Fanbee As we move into the holiday season, let us be aware of the need to take care of others. Less than a week ago I rescued an Airman who was wandering in base housing without a clue as to where

  • Why mentoring, pride truly matter

    Editor's Note: This article was originally published in March 2007. Pride and mentoring have always been elements of our profession. However, they are becoming increasingly more critical in today's Air force. As we continue to face the challenges of budget cuts, the Global War on Terror, and

  • Air Force Memorial: If I could only show Hank

    During an early December visit to Washington, D.C., and Arlington, Va., I stayed in a hotel overnight near the Pentagon in Arlington. From my fourth floor hotel window, I could see the new Air Force Memorial. The first thought that came to my mind when I saw it glimmering in the night was ... "I

  • Flexibility is key to airpower, Joint Basing

    I recently attended a judge advocate general conference with the theme "New Horizons" in recognition of the many changes the Judge Advocate General Corps has gone through in the recent past and the challenges it faces in the coming years. As I listened to the speakers, I was struck by the parallels

  • Developing leaders through selfless service

    How do you build a great leader? This question is a daily challenge for the United States Air Force. The key to unlocking leadership is practice. McGuire's 6th Airlift Squadron needs leaders at every level to accomplish the demanding mission of combat airlift. One way the unit achieves the lofty