Flight goes back to basics

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Shiraz Khan
  • 60th Maintenance Squadron
TRAVIS AFB, Calif. --  In recent months, the words "back to basics" have found themselves embedded across every segment of every command within the United States Air Force. It is becoming a cliché to hear the reaction of "We need to get back to basics" as a response to any misstep. What has been difficult, however, is determining what "back to basics" actually entails.

Four key issues were cited as major factors in the resignations of the Secretary of the Air Force and the Chief of Staff, and are ultimately intertwined with the "back to basics" movement. Recent lapses in discipline, compliance, focus and attention to detail have resulted in some very high profile, very embarrassing moments for the Air Force.

As leaders struggle to address those lapses in discipline, compliance, focus and attention to detail, the flight leadership in 60th Maintenance Squadron's Maintenance Flight decided they would try an approach that reaches the core of every Airman. The senior leadership in the flight of nearly 150 Airmen, Reservists and civilians determined that "back to basics" for the flight meant enforcing some of the values instilled while in basic training.

"Discipline and attention to details were never issues at basic [training], and even though we're not in basic anymore, those values are still at the core of our Airmen so it's up to leadership to bring that back out," says Senior Master Sgt. James Greer, flight chief of Maintenance Flight, adding, "if we don't hold our Airmen accountable to standards and remind them of the pride in wearing this uniform, how can we complain about the culture getting complacent."

The initial step that the flight took to go "back to the basics" was a full service dress uniform inspection. The step was initially met with resistance, with many Airmen wondering what they did wrong to merit a uniform inspection. It was at this point that flight leadership was able to remind the Airmen that this is not a punishment, and that wearing this uniform should not be seen as something associated with punishment. After the formation, many Airmen were pleasantly surprised and privately confessed to enjoying doing something "military-like" again.

"It was a beautiful thing," stated Master Sgt. Paul Grotke, Inspection Section, section chief, who took pictures of the event. 

The ensuing weeks resulted in various forms of military culture returning to the flight. From open ranks uniform inspections to drill movements, allowing Airmen to lead one another, the Airmen were able to see that what they did went far beyond fixing aircraft. Though mechanics by trade, they were reminded that they were in the military, they were Airmen first and foremost. 

Recently, the flight went out at 7 a.m. for Reveille. It was an important part of the return to basics. "We can't forget why we're here," said Sergeant Greer, pointing to the U.S. flag, "we can't forget what we serve to protect." Civilian technician Charlie Farquhar, who has been in and around the Air Force since 1962, was proud to say, "Wow, this is good, I haven't seen this for quite some time." 

For the weekly flight roll calls, the flight is now formed up and faces a large U.S. flag that is draped down the center island in Hangar 810. Topics such as pride, responsibility and accountability are discussed in an open forum in order to ingrain those concepts. 

The members of Maintenance Flight realize that as Airmen, they are in the profession of arms. There is a rite of passage to enter into that profession. That passage demands discipline, compliance, focus and attention to detail in order to earn the title of Airmen. If somewhere along the way those virtues become blurred, there must be a push to go "back to basics."