ORI Communications: Keep it flowin' Published Jan. 28, 2010 By Col. Gary Goldstone 375th Air Mobility Wing commander SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Do we really mean what we say and say what we mean? When we launch military operations, one of the most critical aspects to mission success is the ability to communicate efficiently and effectively. Examples of communication breaking down can be found all around us. Take the following humorous workplace examples for instance: · Would the person who took the step ladder yesterday please bring it back or further steps will be taken. · For anyone who has children and doesn't know it, there is a day care center on the first floor. · We can repair anything. (Please knock hard on the door - the bell doesn't work) · We exchange anything - bicycles, washing machines, etc. Why not bring your family along and get a wonderful bargain? These examples may bring a chuckle or two, but communication during a wartime scenario calls for what we call "clear text," using plain English to state requirements and expectations clearly. When it comes to our Operational Readiness Inspection, our requirements and expectations have been communicated to us through rules established by the Inspector General. What is not so clear sometimes is what we need to do when our normal channels of information flow are disrupted or out all together. What do we do if our Internet goes down or the phones don't work ... or if our radios go dead? The timeliness of our mission may be affected, but we should have back up plans to counter these issues. We all have a responsibility to ensure critical information can still flow up and down the chain, should such events happen. Someone asked me recently how we would do our jobs without the technology we have today? That's a very good question, since we rely on cyberspace so much these days. My initial reply though, is that we would still get the job done ... it just might take some flexibility and ingenuity. Our challenge is to find creative ways to work around any issues that may arise. During our readiness inspection we will be tested on how well we communicate with each other during stressful scenarios. We must never lose focus on how important effective communication is to our mission. Maintaining accountability, reporting our status to higher commands, as well as taking care of each other is especially crucial during those stressful periods. Additionally, we must also always practice good Operational Security, or OPSEC. Always ask yourself, does this person have a "need to know?" Remember, someone is always listening, and it's like talking to reporters--nothing is ever "off the record." All year we've focused on what it takes to ensure a successful readiness inspection--having a positive attitude, showing a sense of urgency, and fighting the war, not the IG team. Those attributes will shine as we embrace clear communication channels up and down the chain of command. Should obstacles be placed in our way, I know we have the ability to overcome those challenges with smart solutions and a focused effort that will ensure mission success, not only for inspections, but for our daily tasks as well. Finally, I commend you all for your herculean efforts over the past several days as we practiced deploying our forces to the fight. We encountered some obstacles early on, and I appreciate your patience and positive attitudes as we worked alternate solutions. Your example and warrior spirit demonstrate what it means to be "all in." Thank you for your professionalism and good humor as well. It is a pleasure to work with you and for you! Air Power!