Commentaries

9/11: A look back
September 7, 2011 — Ten years ago, I was halfway through my Air Force career, and now, as I approach the end and the anniversary of Sept. 11, the day that would come to dominate the events of most of our lives and my career since, I wanted to share my "there I was story" for that fateful day.On Sept. 10, 2001, my crew and I left McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey on... MORE

Diamond Tips: Electronic media devices and the uniform
September 6, 2011 — As most of you already know, the new Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Dress and Appearance of Air Force Personnel was just published in July. One of the changes is the use of electronic devices while walking in uniform. Paragraph 6.3.3.2 states, "While walking in uniform, use of personal electronic media devices, including ear pieces, speaker phones... MORE

To mobility Airmen and their families this Labor Day: Be proud and be safe
August 31, 2011 — For over 100 years America has celebrated Labor Day as the first Monday in September. It is a day to pause and recognize the contributions of the American worker to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our great nation. It has also evolved to include a day of rest and signifies the end of summer. For Airmen in Air Mobility Command, Labor... MORE

Operational Readiness "Irene"
August 30, 2011 — If you were sitting in a command bunker planning an exercise for Joint Base Charleston, you couldn't have written a better scenario than the one that played out last week as Hurricane Irene threatened our shores. It was literally the perfect drill. Weather watchers and military leaders tracked the storm for almost a week. Initial computer models... MORE

Leaving the kids at home
August 30, 2011 — When my wife and I had our first child, it was difficult to convince her to get a babysitter and take an evening off. On those rare occasions when she did take a break, my wife would leave a list of dozens of instructions for the sitter, which amused me to no end. As our girls have grown older and become more independent, I've noticed the list... MORE

Diamond Tip: Everyone is a stakeholder
August 26, 2011 — Throughout my career, there have been a handful of people that have opened many doors for me and that has greatly contributed to my success. Currently, my success is the result of the men and women that I am responsible for - because without them there is no success. One of the many things that my military experience has led me to understand is:... MORE

MCPON sends Labor Day message
August 23, 2011 — Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rick West released the following Labor Day message to the Fleet Aug. 17:"Shipmates and Navy Families,The symbolic end to summer is just around the corner ... Labor Day weekend. Have you started making plans yet? Do your plans involve drinking and driving or driving long distances while fatigued? Do they... MORE

Diamond Tips: STP
August 23, 2011 — Are you familiar with the term "STP"? I'm not referring to the motor oil or the rock band from the 1990's, but to the "Same Ten People." I am talking about the concept in which it is always the same 10 people supporting causes or attending events. Is this your unit? I have had several conversations with various units' noncommissioned officers... MORE

The future is now: The Expeditionary Combat Support System
August 23, 2011 — The Air Force is in the midst of a historical transformation. The ways the Air Force is organized and airpower is employed are changing in revolutionary ways. Changing, too, are the ways in which Air Force logisticians provide support to warfighters. The Expeditionary Combat Support System is the cornerstone enabler of the logistics transformation... MORE

Professional Enhancement courses
August 10, 2011 — Becoming a better writer will help you throughout your military career as well as when you transition back to the civilian world. With all the different reports and performance evaluations required in today's military, clear and succinct writing is more important than ever. There are many professional enhancement courses available online designed... MORE