Commentary

Commentary, News

Cybersecurity: Everyone’s business

by Lt. Col Brandon Robinson 86th Communications Squadron commander

We live in an environment that is made up of ones and zeroes. It is more connected now than ever before. The Internet touches just about everything around us, whether we realize it or not.

October 22, 2015 ×

Commentary, News

Feedback is essential to AF integrity

by Lt. Col. John Hansen 86th Comptroller Squadron commander

I was going through some old files, and I found a few notes that were written to me on several different occasions by the comptroller of a major command.

October 15, 2015 ×

Commentary, News

Innovators wanted for 21st century Air Force

by Lt. Col. Christian Randall 86th Materiel Maintenance Squadron commander

U.S. Army General George S. Patton said, “Don’t tell people how to do things, tell them what to do and let them surprise you with their results.”

October 8, 2015 ×

Commentary, News

Action Line: closures during training exercises

The COMMANDER’S ACTION LINE gives all Airmen, retirees, families and community members a direct link to Brig. Gen. Jon T. Thomas, 86th Airlift Wing commander. The Action Line can be used to express constructive points of view on the policies and procedures of the base; discuss safety and security issues; and address problems, concerns or suggestions after traditional methods have been exhausted.

October 1, 2015 ×

Commentary, News

Habits: are they helping or holding you back?

by Lt. Col J. David Hood 86th Maintenance Group deputy commander

Every New Year’s Eve, I think about the resolutions I’d like to adopt for the next year. Quite a few tend to focus on creating or fostering good habits while eliminating bad habits: exercise more, eat healthier foods, read additional professional books, eliminate procrastination or spend more time staying in contact with old friends.

September 24, 2015 ×

Commentary, News

Air Force graphic

AF celebrates 68 years, calls for continued innovation

by Gen. Frank Gorenc U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander

This year marks the Air Force’s 68th birthday, and I wanted to send out greetings and a hearty thank you to all U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Airmen for your successes over the past year; it’s been an incredibly busy time!

September 17, 2015 ×

Commentary, News

‘We’re all in this together’ — a senior NCO’s five constants

by Senior Master Sgt. Rodney Bernard 52nd Munitions Maintenance Group

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany — Service in the Air Force today means different things for different people. Depending on your unique circumstances, such as family dynamics, job or upbringing, how you navigate through those dynamics can have a significant impact on your time serving and significantly help you prepare for the day when you will no longer wear the uniform, whether that’s after four years or 30 years.

September 10, 2015 ×

Commentary, News

Balancing mission focus, busy life

by Lt. Col. Barry King 37th Airlift Squadron commander

Comprehensive Airman Fitness is a framework for developing resiliency skills throughout the Air Force family. The program recognizes and emphasizes the fact that fitness is more than a physical state; it is as varied and nuanced as the members of the community.

August 27, 2015 ×

Commentary, News

Holistic fitness and resilience is essential every day

by Capt. Diego Torres 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron

I recently achieved one of my lifelong career goals. As a flight nurse evaluator, I was afforded the rare opportunity to compete for the Army’s Expert Field Medical Badge. Medical personnel consider the EFMB one of the most difficult and prestigious skill badges a military medical technician can earn.

August 21, 2015 ×

Commentary, News

Team versus individuals; fostering team success

by Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Kernodle 786th Civil Engineer Squadron chief enlisted manager

Are we creating a culture of “team” or one of “individuals”? As leaders, we are expected to develop effective, efficient teams and merge the talents of our subordinates. However, it’s easy to shift our focus toward individual recognition, and it has the potential to come at the expense of team success.

August 13, 2015 ×