AL DHAFRA AIR BASE, United Arab Emirates -- The 380th Air Expeditionary Wing hosted “Mission X” briefings from different Squadrons that support its mission of defending the Area of Responsibility at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, Jan. 24, 2019.
These briefings gave Airmen a broader perspective on their role here, enabling them to be a more effective warrior and leader.
“As a part of the ADAB weapons platform, it's easy to get tunnel vision and focus on the job ahead of us,” said Capt. Christopher Parks, 380th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron operations flight commander. “However, having a greater understanding of all of the missions we support and how they relate to the greater warfighting mission not only highlights the importance of what we do on a daily basis, but can also increase how effective we are in supporting those missions.”
These briefing were opened to all members and explained how each section ties into the mission.
“I thought the briefing was absolutely phenomenal,” said Tech. Sgt. Juan Torres De La Cruz, 380th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron section chief for cargo movement. “It’s really good to see what other units do and how it ties it into what we do every day. We see the cargo coming in, but it’s really cool to see the perspective from the other side and how they affect the mission as a whole. You kind of know, but it’s better to see it.”
Briefings included platforms such as KC-10 Extender, U-2 Dragon Lady, RQ-4 Global Hawk and E3 Sentry Airborne Warning And Control System along with base defense capabilities like the Army’s Patriot Battery and the 727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron, known as Kingpin.
“Now that I’ve seen this, if they host another one, I’m definitely going to encourage my Airmen to attend so they can see the big picture,” said Torres De La Cruz. “Some of the briefers provided tour opportunities to go see their site and learn more. I’m going to reach out to them and see if I can get my team to come.”
With all the different services and jobs required to defend ADAB’s warfighters, understanding how we all contribute is vital to growing as leaders.
“As each and every one of us rises in the ranks or moves on to careers outside of the Air Force, understanding how different pieces fit together to achieve an objective augments our capabilities as leaders,” added Parks. “Additionally, the civilian world often views the Air Force as a single entity, empowering each and every Airmen to be a potential ambassador for the service in both small conversations and greater actions.”