Meet Lt. Col. Michael Bryant, new 375th CPTS commander Published July 27, 2016 By 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Meet Lt. Col. Michael T. Bryant, who assumed command of the 375th Comptroller Squadron June 20 at Scott Air Force Base. What led you to join the Air Force? My father was in the Air Force so I was able to experience the military environment first-hand growing up. I witnessed the lifelong relationships he established in addition to the great camaraderie amongst the families. As I got married and began to look for a career after college, I knew the Air Force was the perfect choice for me and my family. When did you decide you wanted to become an officer? A few years after enlisting in the Air Force, my supervisor, commander, and family encouraged me to apply for Officer Training School. It was my goal upon entering the Air Force so their encouragement really provided the motivation to ultimately take action to achieve that goal. Was there a specific goal in mind when you became an officer? I think for most officers, the ultimate goal is to command. That was always in the back of my mind, but my immediate focus was to just be the best officer and financial manager possible. What is your favorite Air Force memory? When my father commissioned me as a 2nd Lieutenant after graduating from Officer Training School. It was an honor and very special day for the both of us. What can the 375th CPTS expect from you? To lead and manage as a servant leader and show that I am privileged to lead and serve others. I will also take care of them to include training and development. More importantly, I will help everyone understand how we contribute to the mission and fit in the wing. What do you expect from your Airmen? I expect the Airmen to provide first-class customer service with the goal of being known as the best customer service organization on Scott AFB. I also want them to know to not be afraid to push back if they think I am making a bad decision. What advice would you give Airmen? Be who you are, do not try to be somebody else. I don’t think I’ve met anyone who regrets making choices that reflect who they really are. Also write down your goals, you’re more likely to achieve them that way. What do you look forward to the most? I’m excited about the great team I’ve inherited and look forward to the brand new journey ahead. I’ve already met some outstanding people on Team Scott and look forward to meeting more and further developing solid relationships. Do you have a leadership philosophy? I describe my leadership style as faith, family, and fun. Faith is about having a mental and spiritual outlet to stimulate your mind, reduce stress, and address personal needs. With family, many of us are separated from our extended family so our work family fills that role by taking care of each other and being good wingmen. Finally, it’s okay to have some fun at work as long as we’re putting the mission first. How do you feel about being at Scott AFB? Before arriving, I was already excited about coming here. The warm welcome from everyone has confirmed this is really a great place to call home. My family and I are ready for what will likely be a tough and rewarding two years. This is my first assignment with AMC so I’m eager to learn and support another piece of the Air Force mission.