Back to Basic(s)

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Michael LaPlant
  • 615th Contingency Response Wing Command Chief Master Sergeant
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE,Calif. --  Many of us are familiar with the book by Robert Fulghum "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten." I think the title of this book should be adapted by today's Air Force, particularly when you consider one of the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Air Force's top priorities is getting "back to basics." As an Airman, I would submit "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Basic Military Training."

Here's what we learned (here's all we really need to know):

Follow the rules. Comply with Air Force Instructions, technical orders, policies and directives. No matter how inconsequential the action may seem, they are the rules, and we are expected to set the example by following them. By the by, they issue only lawful orders.

Do what you're told. Accept and execute all duties, tasks, responsibilities and lawful orders in a timely and efficient manner.

Learn your job and how to be a team member. Understand and demonstrate the institutional and occupational competencies required to accomplish the mission.

Always be prepared. Be technically, physically, mentally and spiritually ready to accomplish the mission any time and anywhere.

Be a professional. Exhibit military bearing, customs and courtesies, respect for authority and high standards of dress and personal appearance on and off duty. Maintain self control, good order and discipline and correct Airmen who violate standards.

Don't show favoritism or prejudice. Actively support and enforce the Air Force's zero tolerance policy for discrimination, sexual harassment and sexual assault. Help maintain an environment free of any behaviors that hinder an Airman's ability to achieve his/her full potential and maximize that person's contribution.

Take care of each other. Know and understand the wingman concept: Airmen take care of fellow Airmen. Being a good wingman means you share a bond with other Airmen and can be counted on to support each other, in all situations, both on and off duty. Detect and correct any conduct or behavior that may place you or others at risk.

Be a good follower. Enthusiastically support, explain and promote leaders' decisions.

Make things better. Develop innovative ways to improve processes and provide suggestions up the chain of command that will directly contribute to unit and mission success.

Continue to grow. Seek professional development through on and off duty education. Join professional organizations and participate in organizational and community events through volunteerism.

Lastly, and most importantly, continually pay the price for admission into our great Air Force. Adhere to the Air Force core values and the Airman's Creed.

When I came into the Air Force "back in the day," our motto was aim high implying we set high standards; standards we all learned in basic training. Standards we must comply with in order to maintain the high level of trust we enjoy with these citizens of the United States; a nation that entrusts us with its most precious resource - its sons and daughters. If Americans cannot trust us to provide their sons and daughters with an opportunity to serve free of sexual harassment, substance abuse and discrimination, then support for the military could cease; and so could our ability to maintain the Air Force as a world class organization.