Setting priorities is important

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Matthew Lloyd
  • 9th Air Refueling Squadron commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif --  A common topic of discussion amongst my staff and those in my squadron is setting priorities. There is so much going on for individuals and the squadron, how do we decide what to tackle first?

The guidance I gave my folks is something I learned from a former commander.

First, take care of yourself.

Take good care of yourself physically and mentally. Make sure you are getting to the gym or are engaging in a regular workout program. Eat right and get plenty of solid rest.

When your shift ends, or you go home for the day, take some time to clear your head. Read a book, play with your kids or engage in some activity to refresh your spirit. You have been entrusted with a tremendous amount of responsibility. Whether you fly the jets, fix jets, guard them or support those who do, I need you alert and physically up to the demands of your job.

If you are sick, tired or depressed, you will not be able to accomplish your duties and we will all fail in accomplishing the mission. This means doing a proper risk assessment before you undertake any activity, especially those already identified as high risk, like riding a motorcycle. Wear the necessary gear, think your proposed actions all the way through, consider every possible outcome, both good and bad. Always ask yourself: "what is the worst thing that could happen and am I prepared for it?"

Second, take care of your family.

Solve family problems before they explode into something unmanageable. There isn't a commander or supervisor on this base who will not grant you the time to get your affairs in order at home.

If your head is at home worrying about a financial issue or a sick child or your spouse making a long commute in a car that needs new tires you can not possibly focus on safe mission accomplishment and we will fail. I can't afford to have my crews thinking about anything but the job when they are flying. Every person serving on this installation has a mother, father, sister, brother or someone they consider family. Take care of them.

Third, take care of your wingman.

This is similar to the second priority, but a little harder. We instinctively take care of our family members, so it can be harder to take the same type of actions, make the same direct involvement for our friends, coworkers and fellow Airmen.

Recent incidents, not only in my own squadron but throughout the wing, show this is an absolute requirement to prevent the next tragedy. You must get involved and prevent the next DUI or accident.

Take the keys when you know someone has been drinking. Talk to a squadron mate who seems down and get them help if they need it. Tell your supervisor or commander if you think someone has an issue. Do not assume they know or think you are butting in, you may be saving their life. We can not afford to lose anyone to a preventable mishap.

Putting these three things on the back burner may allow for some short term success but, ultimately, will lead to long-term failure. I truly believe if we take care of ourselves, our families and our wingmen, we will have no problem accomplishing the mission.