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Character of excellence

  • Published
  • By Col. Gary Goldstone
  • 375th Airlift Wing commander
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  This week the Joint Total Force Scott community welcomed the Secretary of the Air Force, Honorable Michael B. Donley, and Air Mobility Command's wing commanders for the Fall 2008 Phoenix Rally conference. Hosted by AMC commander, General Arthur Lichte, the conference provided a forum for senior leaders to discuss a back to the basics approach to mission accomplishment while forging the way ahead for our Mobility Air Forces.

When many hear "back to the basics," technical orders, checklists and regulations immediately come to mind. These important publications do play a key part of the back to the basics approach. However, it is the complete integration of the Air Force core values into every Airman's character that lays the foundation of the back to the basics approach. Integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do are the bedrocks; every Airman's actions must meet or exceed these non-negotiable standards.

After two or three years in any career field, it is easy for Airmen to figure out their own ways to complete tasks. The end product may be the same but the route chosen may deviate significantly from the regulation or checklist's prescribed instructions. Integrity is the inner voice that tells Airmen to re-look at the way things are supposed to be done versus finding convenient work arounds. Integrity is the voice that tells Airmen to talk to their supervisors if there is a better way of doing business versus deciding on their own to cut corners.

Airmen who display a character of integrity do the right thing even if no one is watching, even if no one will tell, even if it requires them to put forth more work and effort to get things done right. Without integrity, mission accomplishment is compromised.

When Airmen demonstrate a service before self character, they willingly and proactively put the needs of the mission before their own personal desires. Service before self means Airmen give 100 percent to their daily tasks and take whatever extra measure is required to ensure the job is done right the first time.

If the mission requires an Airman to stay past the normal end of the duty day, the Airman does so because our mission requires this type of effort in order to achieve success. If the mission requires the Airman to take on the duties of a deployed coworker, he does so without hesitation. Our mission...to Fly, Fight, and Win demands that ALL Airmen accept this approach to every mission, all the time.

Service before self requires Airmen to have a clear focus on the mission. Anything that detracts from completing the mission at hand is to be put aside without reservation. Without service before self, mission accomplishment is compromised.

Excellence is more than getting the job done right or on time. Excellence is surpassing expectations and reaching beyond the identified goals. Meeting the standards of excellence consistently and repeatedly demands Airmen to be disciplined, to have a sharp eye for detail and to be accountable for their actions.

When Airmen demonstrate a character of excellence, they strive to not only get the job done but to go above and beyond. They take the time to look through their checklists a second or third time to ensure every item is properly accomplished, they take the initiative to research better processes or they ask coworkers to proofread reports before submitting them.

Airmen with a character of excellence take a personal, vested interested in everything they do. They take full accountability of their actions and do whatever is necessary to meet mission objectives. Without excellence, mission accomplishment is compromised.

A back to the basics approach is more than dusting off the publications and regulations that taught you how to be an Airman and how to do your particular job. Going back to the basics first and foremost is a character check.

Every Air Force mission relies on Airmen who embody the core values. Knowing the core values and living them every day, in and out of uniform, on and off the clock - that's where going back to the basics start.

Is your character one of integrity, service before self and excellence? AIR POWER!