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"IPs" for the 21st Century combat Air Force

  • Published
  • By Capt. "Nest" Cage
  • 380 Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron
"IPs", or instructor pilots as they are referred to outside the Air Force flying world, are the most important mentors pilot-candidates will interact with during their quest to earn "silver wings." Only those pilots who have demonstrated an unequivocal mastery of flight are selected to return or stay on at the school house to shepherd future pilots through the unforgiving and at times perilous art of flight. IPs know regulations and procedures to the letter. They inspire and, for some, speak candidly about the hard realities of incompatibility. Most important of all the traits an IP possesses is image and attitude. Young impressionable students are eager to find their place in the Air Force and everything from a unique swagger to the half roll of a flight suit sleeve will most likely be emulated.

We serve a critical role is preparing our Airmen to be "combat aviators" as they navigate the evolving stratosphere of our twenty-first century air, ground, space and cyberspace force. As leaders it is our tasking to ensure that our Air Force is prepped and ready to engage in a spectrum of operations that range from convoy duty on the treacherous highways of Afghanistan, civil operations in Africa, and nation building in Iraq. We are immersed in all these missions while simultaneously prosecuting a campaign "in garrison" to abolish waste and improve operations through initiatives such as AFSO 21.

As an IP your curriculum must contain such varied topics as Continuous Process Improvement, physical fitness, basic combat skills training, current Air Force senior leader perspectives, and an intermediate understanding of the history, and culture of the enemy. In 1780 General George Washington is quoted as saying, "To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace." Two-hundred and thirty-one years later we are once again immersed in a long and critical conflict that demands every Airman be ready and capable to carry out his or her assigned tasking.

You will not have the luxury of a sterile classroom environment to explain and discuss these issues. The critical demands of warfigther support are too great. However, conversations during daily roll calls and candid discussions with your Airmen as you visit the line or hanger floor are excellent opportunities to seed thought and to stimulate fruitful synthesis. The learning model here is simple. Your Airmen look to you for leadership and direction. Regardless of your rank, people are taking mental notes - take the opportunity to shape this cognitive discourse.

Lastly, it is inevitable that you will not fully agree or perhaps comprehend the rationale behind every decision or initiative that the Air Force has undertaken - this is normal. However, such inquiry must be reserved for respectful debate amongst the guarded confines of colleagues. Today's battlefield leader must step off the plane - in step with goals of our Air Force - confident, informed and in command - your Airmen deserve this and our Air Force and the Nation demand nothing less.

When the tasking drops and the combat orders flow to your Airmen, will they be ready to solo - to fly, fight, win and return to base with honor? Rent Top Gun this weekend and pick up a pair of new shades; America's finest Airmen are looking for a few good IPs.