Knowing your role key when working as part of a team

  • Published
  • By Maj. Will Phillips III
  • 62nd Aerial Port Squadron commander
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  It is truly an honor to be a member of Team McChord. This is my second assignment here and I could not be happier. In fact, a year ago when I submitted my Airman Development Plan to the Air Force Personnel Center, my number one location to command was McChord.

The reason I wanted to come back to Team McChord was I remembered how much the wing leadership always focused on the importance of teamwork. Whenever you hear any of our senior leadership speak at an event, a constant theme you will hear in their speeches is the importance of teamwork. Why does wing leadership focus so heavily on the importance of teamwork? 

To answer this question, first look at the definition of the word team. In Webster's Dictionary, one definition for the word team is, "a number of persons associated together in work or activity." The definition of the word team perfectly describes our wing. Senior leadership throughout the base understands that the only way the wing can accomplish its mission is if we all work together. 

In order for a group of individuals to transform into a team, each individual must understand the roles they fulfill as being part of their team. As the commander of the 62nd APS, the Airmen and civilians in my squadron have numerous roles they perform to support Team McChord. Those roles range from supporting our numerous deployments to fighting the Global War on Terrorism, cargo processing, aircraft servicing and operating our passenger terminal.

Although the 62nd APS performs these various roles on a daily basis, we also support the wing's Prime Nuclear Airlift Force mission. Our personnel are highly trained, motivated and dedicated to this important function of the aerial port. Whenever the wing has to execute either an exercise or real world PNAF mission, we understand that our role is to ensure that the mission is carefully and thoroughly completed when McChord is called. To ensure the wing never fails this mission, the 62nd APS has to be ready to deliver in support of this critical mission -- always. 

For the wing to continue its motto of Team McChord, it is critical that everybody understands their role they fulfill within the wing. The question you have to ask yourself is do you know what critical roles you perform for the wing for our team to continue to be a success.