Embrace diversity Published Sept. 25, 2017 By Chief Master Sgt. Leslie Gould 60th Communications Squadron superintendent TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE Calif. – Since my first days at Basic Military Training, I have marveled at the Air Force’s ability to bring people together from such diverse backgrounds to accomplish a common goal. Our first goal was simple: to effectively march in unison as a flight. That was possible not only because we shared one goal, but because we recognized our diversity, embraced it and used it as a strength. It did not matter from where someone had come. As a team, we quickly realized those who excelled and utilized them to coach others in order to benefit the flight. The practice of appointing our best repeated itself throughout the balance of our training whether it was for dormitory inspections, expeditionary skills or on the drill pad. During my career, I’ve had the good fortune to serve nine years as a first sergeant. In my first position in that role, I was assigned to a technical training squadron. Each year, our unit would conduct a two-day “Warrior Challenge” where the students were divided into teams and competed for excellence. The tasks included graded execution of drill, demonstration of knowledge of the Airman’s Handbook, utilization of navigational skills, maneuvering an obstacle course and completion of several team-building exercises. Throughout these tasks, I observed the same pattern of behavior that I had witnessed during BMT. Repeatedly, the first actions were to identify the strengths of each team member and assign roles accordingly. Some may see differences as an excuse to divide. Conversely, the Air Force celebrates our diversity and aptly utilizes the sum of our many talents. Each of us brings value to the force with our various gifts and skills. Ironically, it is not only essential for the Air Force that we deliver our best, but it is required of us in order to excel and promote. For each of us who has the privilege to serve, there are multiple people who would love to have the opportunity to serve in our Air Force, take our places and give their utmost to do so. How many times in the past have you heard, “Airmen today are so different than we were during my time.” Fortunately, we are. When an Airman asks, “Why,” “How come,” or “What if,” it’s not to question authority; it’s to understand the process and make it better. Airmen want to contribute and need only two things to excel: a goal and an opportunity. We do not require, or desire, micromanagement. Once provided a goal, we repeatedly demonstrate our resourcefulness and innovation and those attributes directly relate to our diversity and experiences. In the Air Force, failure is not part of our culture. From our earliest training, we pledge against its acceptance. Just recite the last line of our Airman’s Creed and you will understand the truth of this premise. One of our safeguards against failure is maximizing our resources and personnel and is only feasible by embracing the diversity and strengths of our Airmen.