Loyalty is a two-way street

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Alex Berger
  • 570th Global Mobility Readiness Squadron commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The Air Force core value of "Service Before Self" is being put to the ultimate test. In my 16 years in the Air Force, I have often heard the catch-phrase "do more with less" used to encourage us to cut waste, work harder, and--within the margins of safety--to simply get the job done. 

But the steady decline in Air Force manning (from 535,233 active duty members in 1990 to 334,200 by the end of 2007), compounded by the significant increase in deployment taskings is forcing the Air Force to re-look everything we do--and more importantly, determine what we can do without and still accomplish the mission. 

You should know that the decisions to reshape our Air Force are not being made lightly by our senior leadership, nor are they made ignorant of the impact they have on our Airmen's lives. But this is of little consolation to those being asked to leave the Air Force through any of the various force shaping programs being implemented. Whether it is a new airman affected by the Date-of-Separation Rollback, a mid-grade captain separated by the Reduction-in-Force, or a 22-year colonel retired under the Selective Early Retirement Board, many will find disappointment in their unfulfilled desire to continue to serve our Air Force. 

It may seem like a lot to ask these folks to leave the Air Force without bitterness, and feeling honored to have had an opportunity to serve their country. But that is what "Service Before Self" demands...loyalty to the Air Force despite personal disappointment; trust that the process was executed fairly; and faith that such actions were necessary for the greater good of our country. 

Those who are fortunate enough to "survive" these force shaping actions also have a responsibility to put "Service Before Self." Their task will be in working longer hours, shouldering greater responsibility, and serving longer and more frequent deployments than ever before. 

But as the title of this commentary suggests, your loyalty to the Air Force is not a one-sided affair. In order for our Airmen to survive, and even thrive, during these difficult times, they must know that the Air Force will remain loyal to its commitment of their needs: the best possible training and equipment, a fair promotions system, recognition through awards and decorations and military benefits such as medical care and pay. Airmen who do not see this demonstration of "top-down" loyalty--through supervisors, commanders and senior leadership--will find it hard to put "Service Before Self." They will instead put their energy into taking care of themselves and their families--and will not be focused on the mission. 

I encourage everyone to seek to understand the context of today's environment that is driving many difficult decisions, and to raise your concerns or ideas through your chain-of-command. I want you to trust that your Air Force leadership understands its commitment to its Airmen, despite what you may see at your level. Above all, I ask you to make "Service Before Self" the cornerstone of your faith in the Air Force you serve. You will be amazed at how much easier it is to endure the ups and downs of military life when your attitude is service-centered, and not self-centered.