Airmen are truly number one

  • Published
  • By Col. Steve Arquiette
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  As children we learned that the number "1" is a basic unit of mathematics. From there it was a quick step to learning 1 + 1 = 2 and that 1 - 1 = 0. Both formulas are quite simple. However, their simplicity is very profound, and they influence us for the rest of our lives, both personally and as Airmen.

As individuals, we learn to think of ourselves as "number 1" and to look out for "number 1." From there we gradually learn to work and to share with others; in other words, to contribute as part of a group.

As Airmen, we see that basic formula in action. In fact, it's the building block of our Air Force. You become part of a flight, flights become squadrons, which become groups, which become wings and so on. Seen this way, the integrity of the number "1" is readily apparent. No wonder we often say, when considering the monetary consequences of our actions, "do the math." The number "1" does make a difference.

It's the same with us as Airmen. As part of a team, we learn to take responsibility for our personal actions, for they impact the actions of others on our team. As the saying goes, one bad apple can ruin the bushel.

With that in mind, we learn to take care of ourselves, particularly when it concerns making responsible choices that affect our ability to live as individuals in our society and to contribute as members of an Air Force unit. There is no better example of this than substance abuse, particularly the abuse of alcohol.

The abuse of any substance becomes a concern when it affects our ability to exercise the care, judgment and discretion necessary to contribute to the integrity of our team. Personal judgment and the ability to control one's personal behavior become critical when you consider our responsibilities as Airmen. They affect training, morale and ultimately readiness. How do we know? Numbers certainly can help. Unit readiness rosters, performance metrics, sortie rates: your individual behavior can indirectly impact overall mission readiness as shown by trend lines in various measurement tools.

Team Travis' readiness is vital to our efforts in the Global War on Terrorism, so never, never, never underestimate the importance you play in the grand scheme of our nation's security!

As Airmen we accept a tremendous responsibility for our fellow team members. Again, never for one moment think that what you do, on or off duty, doesn't impact the mission. To me, each of you is truly "Number 1". How do I know? Just do the math.