Be a good wingman: show fellow Airmen you are all in

  • Published
  • By Col. John Lipinski
  • 615th Contingency Response Wing commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE ASE, Calif. --  The wingman concept is a well-known tenet of our Air Force culture. We trace its origin to the early days of combat aviation. Pilots conducting missions during World War I relied on each other for support, discovering the advantages of flying in formation. These forerunners of modern-day Airmen found strength in numbers, an idea every bit as relevant now as it was almost a century ago.

From our top leaders to our newest Airman, the wingman concept has become such a familiar practice for each of us, but we must remain vigilant in its practice and never become complacent in its value to our Airmen and our mission. Being a wingman is more than a catchphrase, it is a choice to actively engage and genuinely care for each other.

How often do we take the time to really connect with those we serve alongside on a daily basis? We need to get to know our fellow Airmen, so when something is wrong, we are able to recognize it and take appropriate action. Often we focus so much on the task and mission, and those in our duty sections only occupy the periphery of our attention. It is important we shift them into the forefront of our focus. Nothing in our Air Force is more precious than the men and women who serve.

The role of the wingman is obvious in a combat scenario -- to watch over your fellow warriors under fire, to keep an eagle eye on not only their physical well-being, but also their state of mind. The wingman concept is the same in garrison.

Sometimes it may feel like the challenges overcome our capabilities, especially with an increased operations tempo and frequent deployments. It is vital we manage stress levels effectively on a daily basis. Take advantage of downtime to participate in activities you enjoy with family and friends. Regularly schedule time for exercise and invite other Airmen to join your workout. Group physical fitness activities reinforce camaraderie through a shared experience and build cohesive units ... the ultimate goal of the wingman concept.

Our actions as a wingman could be as simple as lending an ear, a hand or a positive attitude. It could mean sharing energy and enthusiasm to motivate those around us. It also entails being receptive to signs that an Airman is feeling overwhelmed or depressed, and, when necessary, it means acting as a gateway to one of our many support professionals at the chapel, the Airman and Family Readiness Center, the medical facilities or within the chain of command.

The top American ace in Europe during World War II and jet fighter ace in Korea, Col. Francis "Gabby" Gabreski said, "The wingman is absolutely indispensable. I look after the wingman. The wingman looks after me. It's another set of eyes protecting you."

Whatever your duty, whatever your rank, I urge each of you to stay plugged in and connected with fellow Airmen. Our Airmen remain our very top priority, so just like the mission, be a wingman who is all in!