I entered Squadron Officer School (SOS) training day one as a six year Air Force (AF) officer having served most of my time assigned to Navy units. Both of my deployments have been with the Navy and my leadership roles have been supervising Navy personnel. I quickly came to the very humbling realization that of all the SOS attendees, I might actually have the least AF experience. I look forward to using this opportunity to re-blue myself as I transition back into the Combat Air Force (CAF). I will use this paper to address how “My Air Force Story,” while vastly different that those of my classmates, fits into the puzzle that is the AF Story.
I was born into a military family and have been implanted in military communities my entire life. This was complete with overseas assignments, frequent moves, and difficult deployments. Although at times I resented the family separation generated by my father’s service, I always knew that I too would join the military. Upon graduating from high school, I received an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. I showed up to basic training with a very limited knowledge of the Air Force mission and without a thought to what my role would be in this unfamiliar service.
During the fall of my sophomore year at the Academy, terrorists hijacked commercial aircraft loaded with passengers traveling to see their families, friends, and coworkers. Two of these aircraft took down the World Trade Center buildings in New York City. A third aircraft was steered into the north side of the Pentagon in northern Virginia. In the confusion that surrounded that morning, the only thing clear to me was that my father worked on the inner-most ring of the north side of the Pentagon. My family, u...
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...nt environment, and the big picture has developed tremendously throughout this assignment, but I realize I still maintain a relatively narrow scope in the grand scheme of warfighting. Similarly, I have a relatively limited understanding of all of the assets and resources within the Air Force. As my time flying with the Navy draws to a close, I look forward to the exposure that I will continue to gain while at SOS and learning what my classmates bring to the fight.
In this essay, I addressed how “My Air Force Story,” while fits into the AF Story. I hope that my perspective and experiences will help those around me better understand my community and what it brings to the fight. On the same token, each one of my classmates has their own unique story that I look forward to hearing and incorporating into my own growing understanding of the AF and joint operations.
Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education (U.S.) United States. Department of the Air Force, (2012a) Team Building (LM07), Maxwell-Gunter Annex, AL: Department of the Air Force
The operational requirements of the Army during overseas contingency operations have been extensive. The Army Force Generation (ARFORGEN) Model has proven effective in sustaining persistent mission requirements by ensuring units are operationally prepared to deploy. Commanders and Senior Non Commissioned Officers (SNCO) have responded professionally to the ARFORGEN process by building and maintained cohesive units ready to meet the stringent demands of COIN operations. U...
LM06, Strategic Planning Student Guide. (2013). Maxwell-Gunter AFB. Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education (AETC).
Two weeks earlier in the darkness of an early April morning, I stand surrounded by close to three hundred other soldiers, filled with excitement and uncertainty. The air is heavy with the promise of another scorching day with the humidity reaching hundred percent. This day is called Zero Day. This is the day that determines which of the close to three hundred potential candidates get to make up the next class of two hundred Air Assault Students. The day begins early, 0330 to be exact, and with a lot of yelling. Immediately we are instructed to form one mass formation, the yelling continues. The Air Assault Sergeants, otherwise know as Black-shirts because of their distinctive uniform, take command. This is their yard and they make sure each and every one of us understands that. One by one soldiers are called out of ranks to receive their roster number. From this point on I am no longer be known as SGT Nealand, now I am Roster Number 442 or simply 442.
...f it.” (Sharp, 1993) Truer words have never been spoken. As Senior Noncommissioned Officers in the United States Air Force, we need to follow suit and act in the same manner.
My journey into the Air Force was one that started off as a business transaction which transformed into one of duty, honor, and service. I have had the distinctive honor of leading joint forces to search for downed aircrew and leading multinational forces to increase combat capability on the Republic of Korea. I know that I am a part of the Air Force lethal force and am prepared to answer my nations calling in any way required.
Sir, I am honored by the privilege to once again serve in 4th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT). Over of the last 30 days, I had an opportunity to reconnect, and reflect on the current state of the Brigade. The 4th ABCT has a rich history of success and glory. It is my goal to put in place the systems and practices for this great organization to exceed all past and present accomplishments. As a result of my assessment, I identified three areas of focus that will improve our organization: a unit vision, a change in organizational culture and climate, and building organizational teams. I have no doubt that with the implementation of these three areas of focus, I will be the transformational leader that 4th ABCT needs as we prepare for the upcoming National Training Center (NTC) rotation and tackle the task of the Regionally Aligned Forces (RAF) mission.
The Army has transformed several times during its history. Adapting to the operational environment is a necessity for the force called upon to prosecute its adversaries. The Army must do what is necessary to protect the U.S. against all enemies, and advance the national interests of the American people. To accomplish this, anticipation of threats is crucial and victory against its adversaries is an imperative. The nation relies on the military for strategic level deterrence and expects that it will be decisive in combat operations. For the military to be successful, it is important that transformation adapt to meet these expectations by conforming to the requirements of a successful force of the future in order meet any new threats in any environment around the world.
As the Executive Officer for the 478th Aeronautical System Wing (478 AESW) I have a unique position of significant influence, ensuring the ability of the USAF to provide Air Dominance well into the 21st century. But, as you will see it has been a winding road that got me here, and a unique set of experiences that have prepared me to serve in this position.
I was at Fort Benning Georgia in August 1988 to attend jump school. I had done my basic training here four years earlier with Sgt. Smith who would be my black hat true instructor for airborne school. I was standing in formation at five in the morning. It was cold now, but Georgia has hot, humid daytime temperatures that were draining mentally and physically for a student from Northern California. I knew I wanted to be here even though there would be physical and mental stresses, challenges and the possibility of serious Injury. The students would be weeded out at every point. I did not want it to happen to me. During my four years in the Army, I learned that I like to be an independent, resourceful, goal oriented problem solver. In the infantry, I had to obey the orders and not think for myself. Uniformity in everything was demanded.
Since my first visit at the Air Force Academy as a young boy, I instantly realized this is where I want to go. Ironically, I never why I wanted to go, was it my parents will or the expectations of others and myself? As I started to mature and grow, I learned more about the academy and what it really meant to become a cadet. The opportunity to have a world class education pushed me to pursue acceptance to the Academy. Going to the Summer Seminar will give me a chance to explore many aspects of cadet life to further enrich my interest in the Academy.
CF02,Full Range Leadership Development. (2012). Maxwell Gunter AFB. Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education (AETC)
American military history has the potential to inspire greatness in not only youth but people of all ages. When people read about historical figures, even if they aren 't well known, who went above and beyond the standard they gain a sense of inspiration. However, in addition to a sense of inspiration many people gain a better sense of duty even if they do not actively serve in the armed forces. Additionally, another quite remarkable trait the military possesses is the ability to perform in high stress environments under less than ideal conditions. An example of this would be soldiers continuing to execute missions after weeks and months of little to no sleep, food, and
When I was seventeen I nervously traveled about 350 miles from my sleepy little home town of Freedom, Wyoming to the relatively enormous city of Boise, Idaho to go to the Military Entrance Processing Station. This wasn 't the first time I had been this far from home by myself, but it was the first time I was making adult decisions without my parents involvement. When it came time for me to choose my job in the army the counselors presented me with a long list that I qualified for. I got tired of scrolling and reading so I chose the first job that I actually understood. I returned home and excitedly told my parents that I would be an infantry soldier. My dad 's response to this might be considered a little less than heart warming “You dumb ass. Why didn 't you choose
It was my time aboard the USCGC Sherman that provided a structural environment and presented me with skills will take with me through out life. Two years underway taught me that hard work and initiative le...