CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Team Charleston, thank you for your hard work and positive attitude during the past week. Because of you, we have successfully completed both the deployment and employment phases of our operational readiness inspection. Now we are poised and ready to complete the redeployment phase.
I am sure many of you have heard Colonel Millander say you will work harder at this base than you have or will at any other base. This week, he and I visited several work areas and we were pleased to see you hard at work. It was good to see the steady flow of productivity. I believe your sense of urgency and can-do approach to your duties will be the difference that communicates the Team Charleston commitment to excellence.
No doubt, you have also heard the commander and me stress the importance of getting back to basics and adhering to standards. So, let's talk about the wear of the uniform. One could easily make the case that Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel is one of the most important Air Force instructions. This standard unifies every Air Force member. The uniform transforms each of us into a symbol of the Air Force image. How we wear the uniform directly reflects our willingness to embrace that image and the standards that preserve it. Additionally, how we look in uniform reflects our personal commitment to Air Force standards in general.
When we wear the uniform properly, we convey an image that says we are squared away and good-to-go. Most would assume that Airmen, who are disciplined enough to get the uniform just right, would hardly allow more serious things to go wrong. When we wear the uniform improperly, we convey a negative image to supervisors, commanders and the local community. Everyone knows first impressions are lasting impressions.
So, to what extent are we concerned about the impressions we make while in uniform? Do we care how others view us? Better yet, do we care how the community views our Air Force because of our example? If we do not, we should. If we will not, we should reassess our personal commitment to the standards that are the Air Force.
When in civilian clothes, we all have our individual styles that make us unique. However, when we are in uniform, there is no place for individual style; instead, it is all about Air Force image. We cannot underestimate the importance of proper wear of the uniform and personal grooming. When in uniform, we have to stick to the standards of neatness, cleanliness, safety and the military image. For example, when in uniform, Air Force members will not stand or walk with their hands in their pockets. They will not walk while using cell phones, radios or hands-free devices unless they're required to perform their duties. They will not smoke or use smokeless tobacco, drink or eat while walking in uniform. These are just a few very simple standards and, when followed, they present the desired professional image.
Remember, we are the Air Force to the local community. What image are you projecting? Take a look in the mirror and make sure it is the right image.
Team Charleston - Take the Fight to the Enemy!