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Wingman Stand Down focuses on saving lives

  • Published
  • By Maja Z. Stevanovich
  • Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  All Air Force Global Strike Command units observed a Wingman Stand Down in May to discuss strategies to prevent suicides and private motor vehicle accidents, and to improve wingman skills.

This year the Air Force deliberately took a different approach to addressing these critically important issues with Airmen, said Col. Gregory Roberts, Global Strike Command's director of safety. "The May 2010 stand down was focused on reinvigorating the wingman concept, and demonstrating how we all can make a potentially life-or-death difference for our fellow Airmen," he said.

The memory device recommended by the Air Force is ACE: Ask-Care-Escort, which encourages wingmen to get involved when needed for the well-being of their friends and coworkers.

"It's really all about Airmen taking care of Airmen, it's about being family," said Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz, AFGSC commander. "There's no substitute for getting to know our coworkers well enough to recognize changes in attitude, behavior, and personality -- and then having the courage to intervene when we see that something is not quite right," the general said.

In a letter to commanders directing the stand down, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James Roy said they were concerned about the alarming number of deaths caused by both suicides and motor vehicle accidents.

The wingman concept is key to wingman safety, said Col. Charles Campbell, AFGSC command surgeon. "We want to remind people about the tools and resources that are out there, so when our people see signs of problems they know how to get help for themselves or for their coworkers."

"As we're reminding people, 'If your wingman calls you from a bar or if they have been drinking--and you haven't--then give them a ride," Colonel Campbell said. "We can help each other."

"If your wingman is about to operate a motor vehicle outside of safe limits, you need to get involved," he said.

"As the Airman's Creed reminds us, we have a responsibility for each other," Colonel Roberts said. "The Creed says: 'Wingman, leader, warrior. I will never leave an Airman behind.'"

The Command's Wingman Stand Down events were part of a larger Air Force-wide effort. With a goal of "reenergizing the wingman concept," the stand down featured video presentations on safety and suicide prevention, and guided small-group discussions.

For the stand down, Airmen and civilian employees throughout the command started out with a wingman-concept refresher in large briefings that also covered suicide and vehicle mishap prevention. After the large-group briefings, squadrons moved to more focused small-group discussions in their duty sections.

The AFGSC Wingman Stand Down program was organized by the Headquarters directorate of safety working group, and by commanders at each base.