CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
I returned a few months ago from Southwest Asia after completing a four-month deployment where I had the opportunity to interact with many fine Airmen and members of our sister services.
During the deployment, I watched many of our finest young Americans in action, conducting difficult operations in an austere environment. One of the first things I noticed about them is their adherence to standards. Standards are very rarely violated in the area of responsibility because doing so can cost someone his life. We present a professional image and safeguard ourselves by adhering to established standards. So I have to ask, are standards a sometimes thing? I would have to say that standards are an everyday thing and a way of life in the Air Force.
Standards or policies are something military units have had dating back hundreds of years. Establishing standards ensures the members of a military unit understand what is expected both on and off duty. These standards can range from proper conduct to how to wear your respective uniform. There is no standard that has little significance; all were established to ensure our safety and to protect good order and discipline.
Once you understand the established Air Force standards and those of your unit, you should also know who is responsible to enforce these standards ... in a word, it is everyone's. Everyone has a responsibility to enforce standards from the lowest ranking Airmen up. Correcting a violation is your responsibility as an Airman. So take the time to remind fellow Airmen if they have violated a standard. It will help them understand what they have done incorrectly or motivate them not to let there own personal standards fall short. It is far better to have a coworker or friend give a friendly reminder than to be caught short.
Why should we enforce the standards that have been established? First off, doing so can greatly enhance mission effectiveness and present a proper military image. We also enforce standards to ensure the safety of our Airmen. While we continue the operations we are currently involved in around the world, little things are big things. When our Airmen are doing the right things, we do not have to spend time making corrections. When you focus on the little things, everything else seems to fall in place. This can result in fewer mishaps and make our Air Force better prepared to handle the challenges we currently face.
I have seen many violations of standards throughout my Air Force career. I think the most common one these days involves the use of cellular phones. I observe people driving and talking on their phones without the use of a hands-free device daily. In addition to driving, many walk around and talk on the phone.
Also, for some reason, when people are putting gas into their vehicles, many standards are violated. I have seen many without hats, battle dress uniform shirts, driving the wrong way into the pumping area and, again, the phone seems to get attached to one's ear as soon as they get into their vehicle. These are just a few of the things I have seen and could have the potential for someone to get hurt.
Standards are everyone's responsibility and must be enforced. Established standards ensure a well-disciplined fighting force and improve the safety of our fellow Airmen. Stay safe, follow Air Force and local standards and don't be afraid to let someone know they have violated a standard. It could save their life or your own.