Be a good Wingman

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. John Foster
  • 62nd Logistics Readiness Squadron
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  There are a lot of things our Air Force does extremely well.

We are the most powerful Air Force in the world and can bring unprecedented airpower to bear anywhere on earth in a short period of time. We can transport large amounts of cargo to all corners of the globe with ease and we dominate the space environment in defense of our nation.

However, there is one area we can improve on, and that's being a good Wingman. There are times when we do a phenomenal job taking care of each other. When someone loses a loved one or experiences a tragic event, we rally around the individual and the family. When someone is hospitalized due to a serious injury or sickness, we come together and pull shifts at our comrade's bedside, or provide meals to help out the family. When we're in a hostile environment, we watch each other's back and even sacrifice our lives to save a fellow Airman. But outside these times, some of us forget about what it means to be a good Wingman.

I have three simple suggestions that will help us change this.

First, be cognizant of the fact that we are brothers in arms and that isn't contingent on location or circumstances. Every Air force member is highly trained and competent and is extremely valuable to our mission. Our country can't afford to lose anyone to an injury or illness that could've been prevented.

Second, be sincere and caring towards your fellow Airman. Even though we are all very busy, take the time to get to know your coworkers. If you know their normal disposition, it will be easier to recognize when one of them has a problem or becomes depressed.

Lastly, don't hesitate to get involved if you notice someone is down, engaging in harmful activities, or simply needs help. Don't assume someone else will check on the Airman; if everyone thinks that, no one gets involved. Look out for fellow Airman in the same way you would in a deployed setting. There is no difference between someone being injured or killed at a deployed location than at home station. The end result is the same. Keep that in mind and get involved when needed.

If we all focus on these three areas, we will not only have the best Air Force in the world, but we will also be the best Wingman.