Commentaries

What our reserve force brings to the fight
March 9, 2011 — As commander of the 315th Airlift Wing here at Joint Base Charleston, I sometimes wonder how many people actually know what we, in the Air Force Reserve, bring to the fight. We wear the same uniform, we use the same equipment, we maintain the same training requirements, and we proudly serve side by side on deployments, in times of war and during... MORE

Col. Steven Chapman, 315th Airlift Wing commander

Ratios can be key in managing money
March 9, 2011 — Why do so many people seem to struggle with money? Most likely, it is a lack of understanding how the power of ratios impacts our lives. Thanks to creative marketing, most people habitually consume, never recognizing the impact a single purchase has on a larger scale. We have forgotten the rules-of-thumb to live by concerning spending because... MORE

Personal safety nets ... a must pay bill
March 9, 2011 — As the world continues to struggle through this global economic recession, I wanted to take a moment to talk about resources. Specifically, the most finite and fixed of resources ... time. The thing about time is that whether you're a four-star general, the most junior service member, or a new-born child, we all have the same amount - just 24 hours... MORE

Diamond Tips – Enforcing Standards is Everyone’s Responsibility.
March 9, 2011 — How often have you seen someone in uniform with their hands in their pockets? How about wearing their Physical Training uniform with the shirt untucked? These are examples of military members violating standards. When you see these violations, have you corrected them? AFI 36-2618, paragraph 3.1.5. states, "Exhibit professional behavior, military... MORE

Have a Plan
March 2, 2011 — Are you getting ready to separate or retire and transfer back into the civilian world? Before you do, you need to ensure you have a plan in place to help you cope with the transition. I have seen many Airmen who are getting close to retirement or separation and have no plan on what they are going to do when that day arrives. Remember, we are all... MORE

Your input matters
March 2, 2011 — As we continue to progress through the promotion testing cycle have you ever asked yourself where our test questions come from? We all know that our Weighted Airman Promotion System catalog items come from our career subject matter experts, our chief's right? However, did you know that you can have a direct influence on what our Professional... MORE

Streamlining and safety
February 23, 2011 — Change is not always received well and it is often difficult to put into practice - especially if it involves the end of a process that has been in place for a long period of time. However, developing a new way to do things can often yield positive outcomes. Almost five years ago, the Air Force adopted Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st... MORE

Col. John Wood, 437th AirLift Wing commander

Two classes to help complete your degree
February 23, 2011 — Have you completed your Community College of the Air Force degree yet? Are you only a couple of class away from completion? Are you missing speech and math courses? If you are, the Professional Development Center is offering a class on public speaking and math beginning the middle of March. The following are the guidelines for each class:Speech... MORE

Chocolate chips and assignments
February 23, 2011 — "The biggest piece doesn't always have the most chocolate chips." My two kids, ages six and four, were having a very intent conversation on which particular piece of banana bread was best. It is of course a true statement and got me thinking about assignments.In my 15 years in the Air Force, I've had nine assignments. My wife, in our nine years of... MORE

SECNAV kicks off NMCRS fund drive
February 23, 2011 — For more than 107 years, the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society's efforts have improved the quality of life of active duty and retired Sailors, Marines and their families. Their assistance has supported widows living on limited, fixed income, young parents dealing with the increase in expenses a child brings to the family, families of combat injured... MORE