CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Do you ever wonder why people do the things they do? Sometimes we think maybe a person lacks or possesses a certain quality that drives their behavior. In this time of dwindling personnel and an ever-changing mission, I would like to take a moment to discuss responsibility. Sure, you can have all the potential in the world, but if your character doesn't include being responsible, then I'm not sure you are living up to the standards we expect of an Airman. What does being responsible mean to you?
We have all heard, "drink responsibly," but time and again Airmen of all ages don't do the right thing. You read about how an Airman was punished for driving under the influence, or was hospitalized after getting into an altercation. If that young person had a designated driver or a wingman, or perhaps just slowed down, he may not be facing the ensuing trouble. However, I will take it further; what about the Airman's supervisor? Did they take responsibility for their Airman? Did they make the time to get to know their subordinate? Was every opportunity to train, mentor, coach and lead exploited? We can't prevent everyone from doing everything, but as good supervisors, we often set our people up for success if we take responsibility.
Responsibility involves taking pride in anything associated with your name, and ensuring you see it through to the end. Sometimes it includes the little things, but if we all take a moment to go the extra mile and hold ourselves accountable, our Air Force will improve. I am reminded of these subtle aspects of responsibility when an Airman states in response to an overdue travel card, "I didn't know, I thought it was automatic." Sometimes this can be far from the truth, and if the Airman had taken time to understand the process, the whole unit could have avoided some grief. Other times, I see responsibility slip when an Airman walks by a piece of trash, and how much do I contribute if I am "too busy" to set this individual straight? We all must take the responsibility to ensure our Airmen are set on the right path when these situations arise.
I have discussed a few areas where responsibility can improve, but I am frequently reminded of how many of our Airmen go above and beyond the call of duty to take charge of things we normally wouldn't expect. For example, Master Sgt. Randolph Scott, 437th Aerial Port Squadron, has taken the lead for this summer's Drug Education For Youth summer camp program. With little experience or knowledge, he is seeing every detail to the end. According to him, "I want to ensure our families have less to worry about while they are deployed."
When talking to Sergeant Scott, I sense a great pride in doing the right thing, and I know he feels completely responsible for a quality program. I am looking forward to those of you who join him, as he needs your help.
I know most of you take responsibility for your actions, and for those who don't, now is the time to start. I also believe there is room for improvement, and everyone should take time to reflect. Do you know the rules? Do you follow through? Have you mentored someone lately? Are you stepping up to the challenge? Regardless of the outcome, responsibility extends to being accountable for the result. A great Airman of character is ready to stand up and say, "I am responsible!"