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Command Chief reflects on his Desert Storm experience and leadership

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Andrew Biscoe
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  The timeline for American involvement here spans from Operation Desert Storm to Inherent Resolve. Chief Master Sgt. Scott Loescher’s 28-year career has paralleled these major American military operations.

That’s because he spent one of his first combat tours at this very same undisclosed location in 1991. Ironically, the command chief is serving his final 365-day tour of his career exactly where he served during Operation Desert Storm. Loescher arrived in June 2016 to take over the top enlisted position of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Command Chief.

Loescher has been a Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) member, supporting Army maneuver units at multiple Army installations like Fort Hood and Fort Bliss in Texas. He has deployed in support of multiple operations including Desert Storm, Provide Promise, Deny Flight, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Resolute Support.

During a recent interview, Loescher emphasized the importance of leadership, versus drawing attention to his career as a seasoned combat veteran. He leads the Wing’s enlisted force, which handles the busiest aerial port in Southwest Asia. The Rock is a transit hub for hundreds of Army, Marines, and Air Force men and women, and those of several coalition nations, in support of operations within the Central Command area of operations.

Q. Chief, what was your mindset as an Airman here in 1991?
A. Actually in 1991, I felt like I was hanging on for a ride. I knew my job really well but as an Airman, I really had no idea the scope of the operation I was a part of. I was a TACP member supporting 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division’s Tactical Operations Center – and was part of a large armor fight that executed the western move into southern Iraq and ended up in northern Kuwait. The operation was so large and so fast, it was all I could do to just keep up and do my job.

Q. What is the essence of leadership?
A. If I were to tell you to go take out a machine gun nest up on a hill, I need to know you will do it without hesitation. Managers can make someone go up that hill. Leaders will motivate someone to want to go up that same hill. Leadership isn’t about telling people how to do something; it’s about motivating Airmen to want to do something. There are many aspects of earning this level of respect and trust from your Airmen. I have learned over the years that selfless service to my people has in turn, motivated them to take care of the mission, without hesitation and with great morale.

Q. You have a contagious laugh that projects. How does having that sense of humor help with leadership in an intense deployed environment?
A. I figured out a long time ago that a smile and a laugh will bring down someone’s defenses. It will get them to open up to you. My sense of humor helps me communicate with people and allows me to get in the door to start building those crucial relationships leaders need to have.

Q. It’s been a busy summer for the wing’s senior leadership hosting Air Force leaders who’ve visited the Rock. Please tell us what benefits have arisen from these visits.
A. We most recently spent a couple of days with Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Montgomery, Command Chief of U.S. Air Forces Central Command. This was a huge help to the Wing – and ultimately to the Airmen here at the Rock. Chief Montgomery’s visit allowed me to highlight areas of our mission in which we need his support along with his staff. More importantly, I was able to highlight the great things our Airmen here on the Rock are doing to bring the fight to the enemy and get the mission done.

Q. What are your plans once you complete your tour here next June?
A. I will continue to do whatever the Air Force needs me to do for the remainder of my career, either as a Command Chief or as a TACP Squadron Chief. I truly love being an Airman and plan to stay as long as the Air Force will keep me around!