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Commentary Search

  • Is etiquette dead?

    Is etiquette dead? I often ponder this question as I observe Airmen in their daily activities. Based on their behavior, some might not even know what the word "etiquette" means. According to AFPAM 36-2241, Professional Development Guide, etiquette is defined as common, everyday courtesy. A more

  • Learning professionalism from NCOs

    The article below was written by one of my sharp Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape NCOs, Tech. Sgt. Dave Scarborough. He submitted this for a quarterly award competition at the Joint Personnel Recovery Agency's higher headquarters, which at the time was under the Joint Forces Command. This

  • "You Are READY!"

    How do you know when your unit is ready for an inspection? I've been at Fairchild since June 2011, an in that my group had a very detailed product line inspection and multiple staff assisted visits. I've been here long enough to know my people and the game plan, but most importantly, I knew when we

  • The importance of character in today’s leaders

    I've observed many leaders throughout my 26-year career -- some good and some not so good. The good leaders had character, the others didn't.Character encompasses the total features and traits that form the individual nature of a person. We don't get to choose our parents or the circumstances behind

  • Question behind the question

    I recently read a book by John Miller entitled "QBQ! The Question Behind the Question." In a mere 115 pages, the book addresses what people need to ask themselves in order to eliminate blame, complaining and procrastination. This is a novel concept given all the reality television shows that thrive

  • The standard is the standard

    If you are a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, you've heard this refrain repeatedly from Coach Mike Tomlin. As the Steelers suffered one key injury after another, the press would ask, "How will you be able to compete without star player X?" Coach Tomlin made it clear that the Steelers were a team and he

  • Strong families plan for change

    Bumps, cuts and bruises are all part of any kid's life. Dealing with deployments, multiple moves and school changes are all part of a military kid's life. As a parent, you strive for consistency and want safety and happiness. But what do you do when your family gets bumped, cut and bruised along the

  • First impressions

    One of the oldest, most used and completely true adages is: "You never get a second chance to make a good first impression." With all the distinguished visitors we see at Fairchild and the upcoming inspections in June, this is a good time to review this principle.I remember a particular work center

  • Work hard, play hard

    First and foremost, the military is paying you to accomplish a function, whether it be guard, process, heal, teach, manage, fix, fly or whatever your specialty is. While on duty, you should perform your tasks in a manner that you would be proud to have your commander and/or supervisor observe you.

  • Fairchild senior NCO reflects on dignified transfer mission

    I could hear the voice over the two-way radio call out "wheels rolling." That was everyone's cue to get into position...and not move. Everyone was at parade rest waiting for the families to arrive. I was nervous... more nervous than at any point in my military career. My heart was pounding so loud I