JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
We are living in a society where it is so easy to blame someone else for everything that happens to us, especially the bad. In an effort to adjust to the high operations tempo and constant demands of today's Air Force, I believe we have lost the essence of accountability.
It is difficult for me to understand why Airmen are still having problems with alcohol-related incidents and drug use when it has been emphasized there is a zero-tolerance policy. Education is even stressed frequently through the "0-0-1-3," "Don't Drink and Drive" and the "Just Say No" campaigns.
Marketing of the zero-tolerance policy and these campaigns happens at every given opportunity, such as commander's calls, guest speaker visits, on flyers plastered around the base and trinkets issued to Airmen at several different venues. We even have programs like Airmen Against Drunk Driving and Alert Cab but we continually see reports of members driving under the influence.
So, why do we still have Airmen who choose to drink and drive and do drugs despite a culture which preaches these activities are not compatible with being an Airman in the Air Force? When does the individual become responsible and held accountable for those choices?
In our society, many refuse to accept responsibility for the bad choices or mistakes they make. Why? Is it because somewhere in the leadership chain of life (parents, teachers, coaches and supervisors) someone turned a blind eye or made excuses for them?
What do we do as leaders? We recognize our people when they do great things. Do we hold them accountable when they are out of bounds or do we turn our head and hope for the best?
It is so much easier for individuals to create an excuse or blame someone else for their bad choice or mistake rather than take responsibility. It takes a greater person to accept responsibility for his or her actions and be able to sincerely say it was "my fault" or "I screwed up" and move on and learn from the mistake or bad choice. Doing so builds character and that is a part of life which helps us grow, mature and teach others.
As leaders, we must not become complacent in demanding and encouraging high standards of our Airmen or of ourselves. Do not be afraid to correct individuals who are not meeting standards; embrace it head on. In doing so, you continue to ensure the strength of our standards and mold the future of our Air Force.
As leaders, how can we expect an individual to be responsible when we are failing to hold him or her accountable? If we as leaders fail in this, then we need to ask the questions, "Where is my accountability? Have I let my standards drop?"
As we continue to be stretched in every direction, it is our accountability which maintains our high level of success in the Air Force. Our ability to be held accountable for our actions is the core of our being as Airmen. We cannot continue to spend our time and resources on individuals who continually make bad choices and engage in activities which are not compatible with the Air Force. I am sure most would rather spend our time recognizing those that exceed the standard.
Airmen want and deserve to be held accountable for their choices. As leaders, we should give them exactly what they expect of us, and encourage them to be the best by holding them accountable for their actions.