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  • BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, Air Force Chief of Staff, adds guidon streamers to the flag of Air Force Global Strike Command, Aug. 7. The streamers represent achievements of the historical Strategic Air Command, deactivated in 1992. When fully operational, AFGSC will encompass 23,000 Airmen from 8th Air Force at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., and 20th Air Force at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., including six operational wings and two squadrons, the 576th at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., and the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joanna M. Kresge)

    Air Force Global Strike Command: Five Years in the Making

    In an age dominated by instant gratification, some often gravitate to what has not been done, rather than recognizing an organization's success and the hurdles it has cleared.This week we celebrate the fifth anniversary of Air Force Global Strike Command.In thinking about AFGSC, we often expect results instantly, overlooking how the nation's
  • Lieutenant General Stephen W. "Seve" Wilson

    Aug. 7 marks five years of deterring, assuring

    In a 2009 speech in Prague, President Barack Obama stated as long as nuclear weapons exist, "the United States will maintain a safe, secure and effective arsenal to deter any adversary, and guarantee that defense to our allies." This is what Air Force Global Strike Command does, and has successfully carried out since 2009.Upon stand up, this

  • Standards are the minimum

    There is no such thing as "minimum" standards. Standards are the minimum. There are standards and there is non-compliance with standards. No one wants to be on the non-compliance side of the ledger -- everyone wants to meet standards. However, in meeting standards, we should always strive to do the best we can and far exceed the standards in every

  • Drive out fear: Of failure, of embarrassment, of not knowing what to do

    We've all felt that sinking, gut-wrenching sensation telling us, "You don't have what it takes," or in the worst case, "I'd be better off somewhere else." Fear is a natural reaction to uncertainty, danger, and unexpected change. Fear in the duty section can shut us down, even today. I recall a day, when I was a captain, when my boss screamed at me,
  • Lieutenant General Stephen W. "Seve" Wilson

    Lasting legacies

    Service and sacrifice are common bonds that unite us across generations with those who served before. Memorial Day is a special time for all Americans to reflect on the legacies of the men and women who've made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States military.To honor these men and women, it is our duty to ensure that their
  • Chief Master Sgt. Stuart Allison is the command chief of the 509th Mission Support Group at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. He is currently deployed with the 407th Air Expeditionary Group as its superintendent. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Keenan Berry/Released)

    Focusing, Inspiring, Motivating and Developing Airmen

    We all know the importance of feedback. Feedback facilitates a meaningful and purposeful dialogue between supervisors and the Airmen they lead. Feedback forces supervisors to get to know their subordinates by asking deeper questions about finances, relationships and other things that can impact an Airman's career.I want to highlight an additional

  • Leadership: dreaming, learning, becoming more

    In the words of President John Quincy Adams, "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." Adams explained the essence of leadership in fewer than 20 words by stating that a leader is one who motivates others to be more than they thought they could be. What Adams meant by dreaming did not

  • Why Security Forces?

    Last February I arrived here after commissioning through the Officer Training School, and I had no idea what to expect.I had been a proud enlisted member in the medical career field for the previous 14 years, but this was going to be different. As I transitioned to the officer corps, I entered the security forces career field and was expected to

  • Alcohol Awareness Month: time to educate, not condemn

    Many adults drink moderately and responsibly without complications. Having a drink of alcohol is a popular way to relax at the end of the day or spend time with friends and family. There are even indications from research that some can derive modest health benefits from an occasional drink.However, excessive drinking can have dangerous short- and

  • Passing the buck

    I arrived at my first duty station, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Thanksgiving Day in 1987. There was a senior master sergeant working the front gate. His blue shirt was perfectly pressed, his pants bloused, and he had on highly polished jump boots with white laces, white gloves and an ascot. He welcomed me to the base and gave me directions to
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