Instilling pride in our Showcase Wing Published Jan. 13, 2009 By Col. Gary Goldstone 375th Airlift Wing commander SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Mission accomplishment is all about attitude - the way we view ourselves, our duties, and our work environment. To meet mission objectives, it's important we demonstrate an attitude of pride. Pride in Ourselves Military uniforms are public statements of our commitment to serve this great nation. They embody the traditions and heritage of each branch of service and pay tribute to the men and women who selflessly gave their lives to protect our nation's freedoms. Military uniforms must be worn with pride. This pride shows through not only in the uniform's condition but also by our physical appearance. Recently, there have been discussions about the Air Force chief of staff's decision to direct the wear of Air Force blues on Mondays and even more talks about future changes to the Air Force physical training program. These changes are all part of the Air Force's back to the basics approach. This approach means going back to those first days in basic training when you took great care to ensure your uniform was neatly pressed and your boots polished. Whether you've been in for one year or 22, it's important to recapture that feeling of pride in how you wear the uniform today. This approach also means returning to the core military philosophy of physical fitness. Physical fitness is more that passing a test or meeting the standards for body circumference. It is about readiness and mission accomplishment. Military service requires us to be ready to fight anywhere, any place, and at any time. At a moment's notice, orders may be given to support military operations in the world's most remote, physically-demanding locations from the ice glaciers of Antarctica to the jungles of Asia. Are you ready to go? Pride in Our Work As servicemembers, our No. 1 priority is to defend this nation. It 's a job not to be taken lightly. Regardless of your specialty, your service is important. You should take pride in not only what you do but how you do it. With the back to basics approach, there comes a renewed focus on precision and reliability. Having pride in your work means getting the job done right by following prescribed checklists and guidelines. Taking pride in our work is more than striving for excellence; it is meeting it head on and going beyond it - in everything you do. Pride in Our Work Environment Scott is Air Mobility Command's Showcase Wing. As the home to a combatant command and two of its components along with a number of other headquarters and Department of Defense agencies, it is important we take pride in our base. Everyday, the 375th Civil Engineer Squadron, its crew of groundskeepers, and the employees of Challenge Unlimited work hard to keep Scott looking its best. Each of us can help them by picking up trash wherever we find it and getting it in the proper receptacle. Team Scott can also show pride in its work environment by using resources efficiently and conserving energy. Pride Leads to Success Sir Winston Churchill said, "Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference." Attitude not skill determines whether we succeed or fail. When you take pride in your uniform, your work performance, and environment, then mission success will follow.