AL UDEID AIR BASE, QATAR -- The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Air Force, the Department of Defense or the U.S. Government.
Many times in my life, I have learned lessons without truly understanding or appreciating them until much later. For instance, as a cadet I had the privilege of listening to U.S. Senator Alan Simpson of Wyoming as he addressed the cadet wing at the Air Force Academy. I can’t recall most of his speech, but during his discussion he said something that stuck in my then-young cynical mind… “It doesn’t take any damn brains to be a critic.” I laughed, harder than I should have thinking it was hilarious, and then went about the many tasks that cadets have to do on a daily basis. Over the years that quote stayed with me but the importance and meaning of it became more profound.
So, what does his quote mean? While I can’t remember the exact context of Senator Simpson’s speech, I can tell you how I use it to guide my interactions with people and situations. From a personal perspective, it means trying to find balance in your life and ‘avoiding the drama’ as much as possible. Does sitting around criticizing what somebody said, did, or wore truly make anything better? More often than not, it doesn’t. In fact, we could be unknowingly stoking the fire and keeping the drama going. It also means that we shouldn’t complain for the sake of complaining. Reflect on what’s going well or not well in your life, and strive to improve or add to that. Especially this week, as we celebrated Thanksgiving, taking the time to reflect on the many blessings we each have in our lives.
These ideas can be applied professionally as well. We’ve probably all heard a version of the saying, “An Airman isn’t happy unless he/she is complaining.” Why is that mindset so pervasive? I find it very disturbing, especially in an all-volunteer force. At some point, each one of us walked into a recruiter’s office on our own accord, raised our right hand, and took an oath. We knew, or should have known, that there will be times when we would be asked to do more or to give more… asked to sacrifice privileges that most Americans take for granted. I doubt any of us placed “conditions” on our service. Did we say we’d only deploy if the DFACs have grilled chicken? Did we say we’d only serve if there were 24-hour swimming pools available? Did we say we’d defend our country and its interests only if we could use tobacco wherever we wanted?
So, how can we apply this here at AUAB? It’s quite simple actually. First, when you see something that could be better, have the courage to take action (politely and professionally of course) to address the issue. Don’t whine about it, do something about it. Avoid the opportunity to “keep it real,” (borrowed from my deputy, Maj Robert Barnes and comedian Dave Chappell). “Keeping it real” will usually land you on the wrong-side-of-right while not actually achieving anything.
I challenge each of us to step outside of our comfort zone and have meaningful discussions with each other. Each one of our organizations is constrained by volumes of instructions, regulations, and laws that we all have to operate within. Granted, from an outside perspective, some of them don’t make sense or seem arbitrary. However, instead of being quick to judge, take the time to work with the experts and “get-to-yes” together. Also, we all have resource constraints compounded by competing priorities. Take the time to understand the bigger picture, what the competing priorities are, so the solutions will improve the situation and be repeatable.
All of this is not to say that we shouldn’t be critical of the programs, processes, or operations surrounding us. The ability to provide well timed constructive criticism is what separates our military from the rest of the world. We not only expect leaders at all levels to be critical of their surroundings, we demand it. Throughout history, great military leaders like Gen. Dwight Eisenhower, Gen. Curtis LeMay, and Gen. George Washington all possessed the ability to be critical of their organizations and improve them faster than the enemy could improve theirs. The key is they provided consistent and constructive criticism, with the intention to make their organizations better.
In our business, getting better is not an option, it is a necessity. Based on the events around the world the last few weeks, we are locked in a fight with a fierce and resolute enemy. They are adaptable and mobile, looking for opportunities to exploit our weaknesses. We must continue to look for ways to improve if we are to win. Our job, the reason we are here, is to prevent them from exploiting a weakness.
We are here to conduct our nation’s business on the enemy’s front door steps. We are here to carry on the tradition of honor and the legacy of valor of the Airmen who’ve come before us. We are here because we answered the call. So let’s not complain, but instead, let’s continue to improve. Let’s do more, give more, achieve more, and sacrifice more if necessary, so that our families, friends, and loved ones back home don’t have to.