'VECTOR' in the home stretch Published Sept. 3, 2009 By Col. Barrett P. Broussard 349th Air Mobility Wing vice commander TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Team Travis is now in the home stretch to our upcoming Operational Readiness Inspection. We are in the final stages of completing our last dress rehearsal before the final show in October. Our team's focus is to capitalize on every tool in our arsenal to demonstrate to the Air Mobility Command Inspector General our wartime readiness and ability to accomplish our mission. With this in mind, the aeronautical term "vector" comes to mind. This is an appropriate term to remind us of our focus since vectors indicate both direction and strength. Our direction is our targeted goal of successfully winning the ORI war at Alpena, Mich., without injuring anyone or bending metal. Our strength is in the Team Travis partnership, our outstanding ability to work together as a team to jointly succeed in the ORI. The letters of the word "vector" represent areas we can focus on to assist us in our execution of the mission. V for vision: Our vision is to provide compelling air, space, and cyber capabilities for use by the combatant commanders, while providing precise and reliable global vigilance, reach and power for the nation. Team Travis makes this part of our Air Force vision a reality every day, and we'll do it again during the ORI. E for excellence: One of our core values. Military members have been entrusted by all Americans with our nation's security. This makes excellence in all things we do paramount. Doing the very best you can is not just a professional obligation, it's a moral one as well. C for character: Our character is defined by our distinctive moral beliefs, ethical strengths and clear values. Leadership is about character - what you are, not what you do. It is those with leadership character who will contribute to others in powerful ways. T for teamwork: It has been amazing to watch our team come together during the OREs in preparation for the ORI! We have forged an excellent team and will succeed through teamwork. One team, one fight! O for organization: Our organization's mission is each individual's mission. As you perform each task you are assigned, no matter how large or small, the organization will benefit by how you respond. R for readiness: We owe it to our nation to be combat ready and effective in our expeditionary support to the war fighter. This ORI is an inspection of our wartime readiness. "Vector" demands the best from each of us! Please keep in mind that this ORI is not an exercise. It is an inspection! The AMC IG is here to inspect our wartime readiness. Although there are simulations in the scenario, we need to treat each aspect of the scenario with realism. Everyone needs to have a sense of urgency, but keep it safe. A sense of urgency is not rushing, but knowing what needs to be done to accomplish the mission and always moving in that direction. Positive attitude, professionalism and pride are key factors in our success. Be the utmost professional with everyone you come in contact with, co-workers and inspectors alike. I like the term "kill 'em with kindness!" As you perform the mission, let your pride in our organization, in your team, and in your profession shine through!