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Our Most Advanced Weapon System... The American Airman
Posted 10/18/2012 Updated 10/18/2012
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Commentary by Maj. Lawrence Wyatt Jr.
65th Security Forces commander
10/18/2012 - LAJES FIELD, Azores -- The mission of the United States Air Force is to fly, fight and win... in air, space and cyberspace. The stakes are high.
To achieve this undertaking American Airmen develop, deliver and continually refine a dominant, versatile and smart arsenal of weapon systems. However the most advanced of these weapons systems is the awe inspiring low density, high demand American Airman itself. Airmen are the Cadillac of weapons systems.
The American Airmen is built in every state and territory in the union. The weapon system has a history of unbeaten, dogged performance. He can permit a high degree of accuracy and even lethality when engaging a hostile enemy. She thinks critically and her decisions are grounded in core values. As a career security forces member, I've protected billions of dollars of powerful weapon systems whose loss or damage could gravely impact the readiness of our nation. But none are as sophisticated, irreplaceable and incredible as the American Airman.
Like most other weapon systems, the American Airman requires and deserves exceptional care and maintenance to enhance performance and operate under difficult conditions. This may include tests, measurements and even adjustments here and there when necessary. To ensure the safe and efficient operation of the American Airman, the following actions must be applied or there is a likelihood the weapons system will not perform to its full capabilities:
Tough Training - The American Airman must train, train hard and train often. Combat veterans often report that in the heat of battle, they reacted as they were trained. The weapon must stay competent and both tactically and technically proficient in his assigned craft. Gen. Douglas MacArthur said it like this: "In no other profession are the penalties for employing untrained personnel so appalling or so irrevocable as in the military."
Physical Fitness - The American Airman must stay fit. Combat is exhausting, physically and mentally. For the weapon system to perform in combat, make effective decisions under stress and have the stamina to accomplish extraordinary things required in combat, she must be exceptionally fit and healthy.
Mental Fitness - The American Airman must be prepared to face fear, danger and adversity. The weapon system increases self confidence, personal strength and wisdom as it faces and overcomes obstacles and hardships. The Airman is intelligent and seeks help when necessary. Seeking help is an indication of his strength, health and will to win. The weapon system personifies the Vince Lombardi quote, "it's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get up."
Great Relationships - Family and good friends fuel the American Airman. The weapon system cares for her family and friends with a passion. She understands that great relationships don't just happen. Great relationships are weaved, they are nurtured, they are built, they require effort and they require deposits. She avoids unhealthy relationships.
Innovation and Continuous Improvement - The American Airman has unlimited future capabilities. The weapon system thrives on innovation and is not afraid of change. He was born of innovation and change. He is known for it. He is proud of it. He shapes the future of warfare and his life. He plans and sets goals.
Like an M-4 rifle in the hands of a Defender, the American Airman is entitled to outstanding leadership. Supervisors, particularly NCOs and SNCOs, must gain the trust of the weapon system, train the weapon system, discipline the weapon system and motivate the weapon system. Supervisors, who are not diligent in their duties, may fail or even damage the weapon system.
Officers set the tone and program its azimuth or GPS. Officers provide vision. Where there is no azimuth, no GPS, no vision, the weapon system may leave the planned route.
The American Airman is an awesome weapon system. It is the single most important weapon system in the inventory. Word has it there are folks who don't like our free way of life. The American Airman is our greatest deterrent. In the words of Gen. Jerome F. Malley, "deterrence is not just aircraft and missiles in silos. It is not defined by the size of the budget. It is the product of both capability and credibility." The American Airman weapon system provides capability and credibility.
The mission of the United States Air Force is to fly, fight and win... in air, space and cyberspace. The stakes are high.
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