Commentary Search

  • Physical fitness-is it a national security issue?

    We're all aware of the changes coming on line for the Air Force fitness program. Some of those changes are important and required. I've always agreed with the development of the fitness program as a way to entice (or coerce) Air Force personnel to live healthier lifestyles, acknowledging the

  • H2N2: The Decade’s Next Big Thing

    As decades end, people can often easily recount major events that happened. If asked to recall events from the past decade many people might respond with the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Hurricane Katrina, electing President Obama or the capture of Saddam Hussein. Some people may even recount the global

  • Personal courage

    The recently published version of AFPAM 36-2241, the Professional Development Guide, defines personal courage as being about "standing up and doing what's right even at the risk to one's career." This definition refers in part to not allowing or condoning unacceptable behavior whether it's standards

  • My worst marathon…a success from the start

    It started at 21 miles, my stomach muscles got very tight, small cramps or "side stitches" began. The feeling was nothing new, having ran many marathons I had experienced this before. The cramps were signs of dehydration. My mind began to chime in: just 5 more miles, just 5 more miles. As I hit 22.5

  • Well that’s just bull****! I’m getting out!

    When I was a technical sergeant I overheard a master sergeant voice disgust with his leadership. He stood in the squadron snack bar just going off on how he got screwed over. His frustrations revolved around the Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy (SNCOA) correspondence course and the Community

  • When no one else is looking, do you uphold core values?

    The United States "Air Force Core Values" -- we've all heard them many times over and the majority of us live by them day in and day out -- have you said them out loud to yourself? Ok, I'm not asking that you start talking to yourselves daily, but as I read the Washington Times a story jumped out at

  • The Wingman Concept

    "Wingman, Leader, Warrior. I will never leave an Airman behind." "Airmen taking care of Airmen." We have heard these words for a few years now. Has this become another complacent answer or do we really understand what it means? We all have our own definitions of a wingman but essentially a wingman

  • It's Profession of Arms not Regression of Arms

    As Airmen, nothing is average about our responsibilities. On the global stage we are responsible for our Nation's security, the safety of its citizens, and the preservation of its way of life. To that end, and as stated in the Airman's Creed, we serve as "guardians of freedom and justice." For well

  • The Ultimate Fighting Championship: Air Traveler vs. Carry-On

    Most air travelers will admit they "people watch." When I travel one of the more spectacular events I enjoy watching is when people attempt to find a place to store their overstuffed carry-on baggage. Sometimes a fierce bout takes place, much like an ultimate fighting championship match; nonstop

  • Mickey Mouse Leadership

    The average person goes to Disneyland to enjoy a nice fun filled day of amazing rides and carnival-like food or treats. I was no different than the average person; however, the land "where dreams come true" offered me more than a fun filled day.Disneyland serves as the ultimate test of patience.