Leadership at the 'Deid

[Learjetter]

ACC posted this 'epic' just today: "Customs, courtesies crucial to mission success"

I replied on their facebook page to the best of my ability. While all of their other posts have multiple replies, to that one - beyond mine - nothing. Maybe even that says something.

OUTSTANDING reply! Well said.

[ol-IEWO]

Did you notice the author of "Customs, courtesies crucial to mission success?"

Commentary by Senior Master Sgt. Basil Payne 355th Dental Squadron superintendent

Is that good for some type of award or atta boy?

Super Facebook posting!

[xaarman]

1996 - Master's degree in Business Administration, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University

2000 - Master's degree in Airpower Art and Science, Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, AL

2001 - Master's degree in Military Operational Art and Science, School of Advanced Airpower Studies, Maxwell AFB, AL

2008 - Master's degree in Strategic Studies, Marine Corps War College, Quantico, VA

...Four Masters degrees?

[Learjetter]

...Four Masters degrees?

Not unusual: first was standard masters everyone gets...second was credit for ACSC in-res, third was credit for staying on after ACSC for SAAS, fourth was credit for War college. No big deal, standard for guy on the "leadership" track...

[xaarman]

I understand the basis of it, but it still seems ridiculous. Like, I think I'll get 6 Masters degrees just to upstage him. Then wait until the guy who upstages me, he'll be a shoe in for whereever he wants to go!

[afnav]

This may need its own tread but I’ll add it in here for now since it applies to the Deid.

The a$$clowns that have been ripping down internet antennas at the Deid have finally been caught!

Two security forces members took it upon themselves to remove every antenna they could get their hands on for the past few months believing the antennas were responsible for the slow internet. There is a common misconception here that internet antennas hog Wi-Fi and are illegal. THIS IS NOT TRUE! While boosters are illegal here, the antennas you see hanging out most window are completely legal and this has been verified by the deid comm squadron.

I want to encourage anyone who has had an antenna stolen over the past few months to contact the security forces squadron to file a report so these jerks get what they deserve and maybe a few of use can get some money back. I have ZERO respect for service members who steal from one another, especially in a deployed location. Simply unacceptable.

That's great news about them getting caught. Bastards.

A word of warning to the technologically-challenged. When I was in BPC two years ago, there were people that tried to hack into my iTunes and charge stuff to me. You have to go in and tell it not to do any sharing, or it will automatically. I literally saw some joker try to charge songs and movies to my account.

Just be careful out there, everyone.

[Bergman]

This may need its own tread but I’ll add it in here for now since it applies to the Deid.

The a$$clowns that have been ripping down internet antennas at the Deid have finally been caught!

Two security forces members took it upon themselves to remove every antenna they could get their hands on for the past few months believing the antennas were responsible for the slow internet. There is a common misconception here that internet antennas hog Wi-Fi and are illegal. THIS IS NOT TRUE! While boosters are illegal here, the antennas you see hanging out most window are completely legal and this has been verified by the deid comm squadron.

Thanks for the update. I was going to order an antenna and had heard they banned them. This clears it up.

Any advice on which antennas work best (with Windows)?

[Napoleon_Tanerite]

Thanks for the update. I was going to order an antenna and had heard they banned them. This clears it up.

Any advice on which antennas work best (with Windows)?

My understanding is that RECEIVERS are permitted; however, anything that re-transmits a signal is not. As far as what works best, most boosters are specifically made for windows anyway, so pick whatever you want it seems.

[Whitman]

Things are improving at the Deid, as evidenced by the 4 month gap in posts here. As soon as the new AUAB supp comes out, reflective belts will no longer be required in PT's as long as the shorts and shirt have reflective material and you are not running on a public road. Should we make facebook groups for every idiotic policy they try to enforce here or AF wide?

The antenna destruction was pure BS. That's no way to treat another airman. If those punks were going to sabotage anyone, why not spend their time disrupting the WoW mafia who sucks down the bandwidth? Leave the everyday Joe, who is skyping home to his wife, alone.

Edited August 30, 2011 by Whitman

[ClearedHot]

I understand the basis of it, but it still seems ridiculous. Like, I think I'll get 6 Masters degrees just to upstage him. Then wait until the guy who upstages me, he'll be a shoe in for whereever he wants to go!

You are missing the context. I also have four Masters Degrees, but the last three were NOT optional. USAF folks at ACSC, ASG, and War College are required to take the Masters program when at school.

[amcflyboy]

You are missing the context. I also have four Masters Degrees, but the last three were NOT optional. USAF folks at ACSC, ASG, and War College are required to take the Masters program when at school.

sarcasm on/

And yet I'll still bet bottom dollar that this will not be enough in the eyes of Big Blue!

/sarcasm off

Edited September 1, 2011 by amcflyboy

[Napoleon_Tanerite]

Masters is the new bachelors... you need a doctorate to really be competitive for major these days.

[Bergman]

sarcasm on/

And yet I'll still bet bottom dollar that this will not be enough in the eyes of Big Blue!

/sarcasm off

Oh, I think CH will survive.

[BQZip01]

My understanding is that RECEIVERS are permitted; however, anything that re-transmits a signal is not. As far as what works best, most boosters are specifically made for windows anyway, so pick whatever you want it seems.

That's kind of impossible as Wi-Fi is designed as a receive/transmit system (you send information through the network in order to download something back to your computer).

But if they aren't picky on antennas, I highly recommend making your own:

https://www.oreillynet.com/cs/weblog/view/wlg/448

Turns out that the signal for Wi-Fi propagates extremely well in a metal object the exact diameter of a Pringles can. The metal-lined interior is ideal as an antenna.

[AlphaMikeFoxtrot]

But if they aren't picky on antennas, I highly recommend making your own:

https://www.oreillynet.com/cs/weblog/view/wlg/448

Turns out that the signal for Wi-Fi propagates extremely well in a metal object the exact diameter of a Pringles can. The metal-lined interior is ideal as an antenna.

######ing E-dubbs.

[DFRESH]

That's kind of impossible as Wi-Fi is designed as a receive/transmit system (you send information through the network in order to download something back to your computer).

But if they aren't picky on antennas, I highly recommend making your own:

https://www.oreillyne...og/view/wlg/448

Turns out that the signal for Wi-Fi propagates extremely well in a metal object the exact diameter of a Pringles can. The metal-lined interior is ideal as an antenna.

You can then mount said pringles can to the LNB end of a sat dish and BAM... miles of wifi range... some friends and I did this back in Jacksonville, Florida 6 or 7 years ago, although we found the whole sat dish idea to be a little difficult, the pringles can mod was pretty easy.

[Guest]

That's kind of impossible as Wi-Fi is designed as a receive/transmit system (you send information through the network in order to download something back to your computer).

But if they aren't picky on antennas, I highly recommend making your own:

https://www.oreillynet.com/cs/weblog/view/wlg/448

Turns out that the signal for Wi-Fi propagates extremely well in a metal object the exact diameter of a Pringles can. The metal-lined interior is ideal as an antenna.

A couple ppt slide would really help here...

[discus]

A couple ppt slide would really help here...

Hang on a second, let me check... Yup, still funny!

[Whitman]

Hang on a second, let me check... Yup, still funny!

"2"

[BQZip01]

Hang on a second, let me check... Yup, still funny!

aw hell, even I chuckled at that one "3"

[matmacwc]

Thread revival--guess who the new wing king at Hill AFB is?

Have to admit now though, I was at Bagram at the time this was written and didn't see or hear about any of the above behavior (and since he was flying with my squadron, I saw him alot).

I've flown with him, he was my DO for a bit. I think he's a hell of a good dude, makes me wonder whats going on out there.

[60 driver]

Not from the Deid, but from another deployed location. Even after all the other dumb shit I've seen over the years, I still had a hard time believing this one is real, but I've been assured that it is. The email is bad enough, but what's worse, this dipshit's commander is clearly OK with it. Enjoy.

ASAB Enlisted Corps,

Welcome to 5MT accountability one and all. Today marks the day that you are

required to know the Airman's Creed and Air Force Song as outlined in my

first 5MT to the Enlisted Corps. At no time did I alleviate ANYONE from this

requirement, so the demographic is clear. If you are an "E-something", this

applies to you. To some it applies even more, especially if you are a

supervisor. If in a supervisory role, you are also accountable TO and FOR

your people.

MANY PEOPLE ARE ASKING WHY I INITIATED THIS 5MT TO BEGIN WITH. Well.Before

we delve into the "whys," let's first revisit the "Who, What, Where, and

When" parts. Those were provided in BOTH the initial and follow-on emails

that I've attached. The "how" was left completely up to you.

- Who: Every Enlisted member assigned to the XXXAEW.

- What: Be able to RECITE from MEMORY the Airman's Creed and "sing"

the first verse of the AF song

- Where: In public forums during Wing events or when asked by

senior leadership.

- When: Primarily by 1 September 2011

- How: Based on your personal preference

- WHY: To forge LEADERSHIP and FOLLOWERSHIP capability and to drive

Enlisted uniformity during ### AEW ceremonies.

BACKGROUND:

- VECTOR 1 came directly from AF Leadership: As CMSAF Roy's

direction when he told all USAF Command Chiefs to."Champion the Airman's

Creed and ensure you and your Airmen are able to recite it". Period.

- VECTOR 2 came from me as a reiteration of CMSAF Roy's

direction. From both a Leadership and followership perspective.

- VECTOR 3 should have come from Your Supervisor: That vector

should have mirrored CMSAF Roy's as a matter of loyalty and in a manner of

professionalism.

- VECTOR 4 should have come from YOU

DISCUSSION: Everyone presented with the 5MT requirements had options in

CHOOSING their personal way ahead. Their choices will place them into a

category of compliance as listed below. Almost everyone should be able to

recognize which demographic they primarily align with. Here are the 6

categories:

1. Someone who just recently arrived here & hadn't had 50 days to meet

the 5MT requirements. You are still accountable, but you'll be granted more

time. Get on it & get there within 50 days from your DAS. You are NOT DONE

yet.

2. Someone who already knew both recitations, and were able to

deliver them from day 1. You were good to go from the initial vector. Good

on you. You are DONE. Would ask that you assist others who aren't quite

there yet.

3. Someone who didn't know either of them BUT accepted the

requirement and made it happen. If you took it upon yourself to learn them,

you are a leader by example. If you took the direction of your supervisor,

you are a competent follower. Regardless, you met the requirements and did

not fail. Good on you. You are DONE. Hopefully you help those around you.

4. Someone in a supervisory position who knew or learned it, led by

example, kept your Wingmen in sight, and pushed your subordinates toward

success. You embodied the ability to Fly, Fight, and WIN. You have proven

yourself as someone who wasn't prone to sit-back, give-up, and allow

failure. Good on you. You are DONE. Your people are probably thanking you

for pushing them to succeed.

5. Someone who TRIED their hardest but still couldn't get it memorized

in time. You may not fully be there yet, but since the words are in your

memory.chances are you'll be able to recite it in a crowd. In any event, I

(and other Wingmen) will recite along with you and together we'll all

succeed in this 5MT. Good on you for giving it your best shot. You are NOT

DONE, so KEEP TRYING until you get 100% of it.

6. Someone who dismissed the entire requirement and neither worked at

it personally..nor pushed their Airmen to success. You Faltered and Failed.

Period. If you're one who either complained about the 5MT, or openly refused

to comply.you're still on the hook. If you're a Supervisor who failed to

lead your Airmen to success.you're still on the hook. If you think this is

over, think again. You are NOT DONE, and that will become even clearer in

the future.

DELIVERABLES: The Commander and I have already been asking Enlisted Airmen

to recite the Airman's Creed in public. Yes folks, the Wing CC is also

on-board in this exercise. So my hope is that we encounter Airmen in

categories 1-5 when we're out and about. So far.it's been good. Two

excursions, 11 Airmen.11 successful deliveries.

WAY AHEAD: I will periodically ask folks if they know it. If they say yes, I

may recite or sing along WITH them. I will ask how they gained their

success. I will ask if they were vector checked buy their immediate

Supervisor. The answers THEY GIVE will tell me who Led and Followed

appropriately. If they say they don't know it.there will be tougher

questions.

BOTTOM LINE: If you are an Enlisted Airman who fell into categories 1-5 -

No need to read on any further unless you really want to. Continue to move

forward and keep finding ways to meet requirements. If your Supervisor

pushed you toward success.thank them. If you Led and followed

appropriately.you hit the 5MT and will be able to execute from here on out.

ROCK BOTTOM LINE: Hopefully the Airman's Creed will become personal to you.

Hopefully you'll realize that EVERY activity you perform EVERY day provides

you an opportunity to Fly, Fight, and win. By realizing that "Fly" equates

to rising to face the challenge, "Fight" equates to expending energy to meet

the challenge, and "Win" equates to overcoming the challenge...it may make

some sense. Hope you Flew, Fought, and Won on this challenge.

Category 6 personnel.read on below my signature block. There's more.

V/R

Chief Xxxxxxxx

CMSgt X. Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx

Wing Command Chief Master Sergeant

### Air Expeditionary Wing (AFCENT)

CATEGORY 6

Just so there's no ambiguity here. If you blew off the requirement , you've

failed as a follower. If you're a supervisor who told your people that it

wasn't important, you have failed exponentially as both a leader and a

follower. By ignoring what your Senior Enlisted leadership directed you to

do, you purposefully missed the mark and took down a couple of our Core

Values with you . First, You didn't demand Excellence in ALL we do and

Secondly you put yourself ABOVE a tasking. two of the 3 core values

destroyed in one fell swoop.

Now.before anyone starts complaining about the difficulty of the Airman's

creed requirements; let me dissect the task into bits and pieces that are

easier to swallow. Hopefully this will clarify the failure a bit more.

NOTE: The first 5MT went out on 12 July, so the entire period of "training"

equates to 50 days. Nice round number, but roughly 7 weeks if you received

it on 12 July.

- Basic Trainees have 7 weeks of "training days" to learn the exact

same things CMSAF Roy asked of us. They do so without the Military

experiences that we have. So, the advantage should have been YOURS.

- Reading the entire Airman's Creed out loud takes less than 40

seconds, even if you momentarily pause between stanzas . That's less than

one minute from end to end.

- Chances are, by reading it out loud for 2 minutes a day you'd

have had it memorized in 20 days. 3 times in a row per day.20 days in a

row. If you did that, you'd be in category 5 at the very least.

- Even if using the entire 50 days, you would have expended 100

total minutes of effort. Less than two total hours of time stretched over

nearly 2 months.simply reading out loud. No sweat. No toil.simply reciting.

- There are 18 total lines in the Airman's Creed, so that equates

to learning 2 lines per week. Actually it's a bit less once you realize that

4 of the lines are exactly the same.

- If you broke it down by stanzas, there are four. So you'd have

had 12 . 5 days to learn each stanza

WHAT I HAVE HEARD: Some thought the 5MT was "stupid" so they QUIT on day one

and TOLD others to blow it off as well. Instead of shaping the environment

through followership and discipline they chose to ACCEPT or even DIRECT

failure. That is intolerable.

WAY AHEAD: Right now, I don't even know who fits into what demographic.But

I'm about to find out. I'll see who knows it or not. If they don't know it,

I'll ask how much time they put into "learning". I'll ask for their

immediate supervisor's name. I'll ask what their Supervisor did to ensure

their success. I'll ask if they were vector checked by their immediate

Supervisor. That should tell me enough to categorize those who failed.and

those who let them fail. Then they will BOTH make it right. It's called

accountability. In this game, everyone gets a trophy.

BOTTOM LINE: Never leave an Airman behind, Never Falter.and do not fail. If

you're off-track.return to the fight NOW. If you tell me you're

reengaging.I'm good with that.

V/R

Chief Xxxxxxxx

End email

[Guest fin]

Not from the Deid, but from another deployed location. Even after all the other dumb shit I've seen over the years, I still had a hard time believing this one is real, but I've been assured that it is. The email is bad enough, but what's worse, this dipshit's commander is clearly OK with it. Enjoy.

Line after line of apocalyptic BS

Focused leadership right there : grabbing random passers-by and embarrassing them in public, with the threat of dire consequences if they stumble over a word. Even if that turns out to be a joke, it's believable.

The private sector's no bed of roses, but I can now go through a long day knowing that nobody I work with will be distracted by spastic idiocy like that. Heading back out to the ME at the end of this month. Not sure how I'll cope without a disco belt or lobster-colored E-nazis pointing out that my sleeves are rolled up, but I'll struggle on.

For ref, we have our own, shorter version of the Creed :

- Be on time

- Do your job

- Act like an adult, unless the beer light's on

- Go home.

[Guest]

Bombs on time on target and kill MiGs.

[jcj]

Not from the Deid, but from another deployed location. Even after all the other dumb shit I've seen over the years, I still had a hard time believing this one is real, but I've been assured that it is. The email is bad enough, but what's worse, this dipshit's commander is clearly OK with it. Enjoy.

(e-mail referenced above. blah, blah, blah...)

Wow. Just ######ing wow.