An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Commentary Search

Commentaries

  • Silent Warriors

    Memorial Day is upon us and we observe this holiday in honor of the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Both my grandfathers, who have since passed, served in the Korean War and World War II. It is an honor to know that I am able to serve in the capacity I can because of

  • Set the example

    I recently worked for a general who often told a leadership story about guiding a group of Airmen across a tarmac during the Gulf War while missiles were incoming. I had the opportunity to hear the story numerous times and was struck that I did not have a similar story of overcoming adversity in a

  • Invisible Leadership

    What do the words “invisible leadership” make you think of? When I think of invisible leadership, I think of leading people even though I don’t know exactly who is following. Similar to referent power, invisible leadership is when you influence followers because of the followers’ loyalty, respect,

  • Working vs. serving: an important difference

    Every military member takes an oath. Among other things, this oath verbally confirms that each of us will support and defend the Constitution of the United States. This is not merely an occupation, this is a service commitment that requires true dedication and sacrifice.

  • Stressed lately?

    Being 34 days from my upcoming retirement I have spent some time recently looking back on my career thinking about events that helped develop me into who I am today. I’ve grown quite a bit since I was an airman basic at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, U.K., in 1995.

  • Servant leadership and customer service are one

    By joining the U.S. Air Force, we have committed ourselves to put “service before self.” By definition, we have answered an altruistic calling to serve others. This reflects servant leadership and customer service.

  • Sit down, be humble

    If I asked you to give me a list of words describing qualities you admire in a leader, what would be on it? Perhaps honest, selfless, competent, dedicated, courageous, charismatic or empathetic easily make the list. What about humble? A word synonymous with others like meek, submissive, modest or

  • Resolutions

    This time of year is a time of reflection for many. It could be where you traveled, who you saw and what you did in 2017. Some of your accomplishments may be personal, some professional and others related to family. Examples range from buying a car, earning a degree, or getting married!

  • Turn your glove over

    “Turn your glove over.”I was tired. And slightly annoyed. For what seemed like the thousandth time, my dad threw the baseball to me as I practiced for the spring season my sixth grade year. My legs ached from squatting into the catcher’s position over and over again. My body dragged from jumping up

  • Leadership is like keeping a promise

    What an honor it is to serve in today’s Air Force. While writing does not always come easily for me, when given the opportunity, you can bet I’ll chomp at the bit. I would like to take a moment to share my recipe for success, a concept I passed along to our future leaders at Airmen Leadership