CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Leadership.
Last night, the wing welcomed our newest group of well-deserving enlisted members into the ranks of senior noncommissioned officers during an induction ceremony at the Charleston Club. These Airmen represent our future as senior NCOs, who will lead our enlisted force as we fight the Global War on Terrorism.
Following the induction ceremony, I had the distinct honor of presenting the closing remarks. I used this opportunity to give some advice as well as my insight on leadership ... which I would like to also share with you.
I will start with one of my favorite quotes by Gen. George Patton -- "Don't tell people how to think. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity."
The mark of a good leader is not how well you tell people what to do and how to do it, but how well you can step back, give them the opportunity to show you what they can do, and then let them excel. One of the core values of the Air Force is "excellence in all we do" --- leading by example, always striving for excellence, not only from yourself but also from those you lead.
When I was stationed in Germany, I had several opportunities to spend time with foreign senior officers from countries we were previously enemies with during the Cold War, such as Poland, Czechoslovakia and other former Soviet Eastern European Countries. I asked them what it was that allowed Americans to win the Cold War ... was it our industrial base, our economy, our technology? The common reply to these would always be "no." Each of these leaders was most impressed with the strength of American leadership and the professionalism of the enlisted force in the military, and the Air Force in particular. American leadership was the one thing they could not duplicate in their countries. What an amazing statement and an incredible legacy of performance!
Also, congratulations to our newest staff sergeant selectees. You've worked hard and studied hard to reach the noncommissioned officer rank. You will now be taking on more leadership roles, and now is the time to start honing your leadership skills. My advice to you also is to live by the Air Force core value "excellence in all we do." Remember to apply that core value not only to your day-to-day duties, but also as you take on more responsibilities and move into higher level leadership roles ... you too are future enlisted leaders. I look forward to personally congratulating each and every one of you.
I challenge not only our newest senior NCOs but also our newest NCOs to continue the legacy of leadership and professionalism that the enlisted force of the past has established throughout the world. I have great confidence that you will be able to do just that ... and no other country will be able duplicate it.
Team Charleston - Take the Fight to the Enemy!