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Leadership – 10 letters, but much more than a 10-cent word

  • Published
  • By Col. Al Hunt
  • 375th Airlift Wing commander
Scott Air Force Base, Ill. --  Handheld device service: ~$50 

Professional development symposium fee: ~$250 

College course tuition: ~$750 

Being able to adaptively apply these resources and others as a leader: PRICELESS!

From sharp young troops fresh out of basic training to seasoned flag officers responsible for thousands of personnel, every person in the military has an opportunity to be a leader at varying levels and degrees. The same holds true for our civilian partners. The key to successful leadership is being able to attain resources to apply at the right place and time by creating opportunities and solving challenges as these arise. 

Though all of us are trained specialists in one or more areas of expertise, great leaders are not defined by the narrow limitations of performing one task or mastering a single field of study. Truly outstanding leaders can 'rally the troops' and perform daunting feats, regardless of the circumstances or available resources, by adapting to the situation at hand and executing the required actions. 

As a nation at war, our country calls us to action 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As leaders wearing all ranks in every service throughout the total force, we must being ready and able to apply our knowledge and experiences in all situations, both on and off duty. 

Change is constant throughout the military. Though we train for a wide variety of scenarios and possible disasters, every challenge is unique. Rarely do we face problems that have a cookie-cutter solution spelled out in an instruction manual or continuity binder. Our ability to adapt to any situation is what defines us and our ability to lead. It differentiates true leaders from those who simply don't have what it takes. 

I challenge all Joint Total Force Scott personnel to seek opportunities and take on every challenge, letting your leadership shine regardless of the situation. We are what we do when it counts!