Renewing the Wingman Concept

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Todd Garrett and Master Sgt. Jeffrey Gilbert
  • 9th Airlift Squadron
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  As we start the New Year, I encourage you to give a little extra thought to the Wingman concept. The term Wingman is often tossed around loosely in conversations and some may even poke fun at the term or call it corny.

If you think it's a corny concept, I'd have to disagree with you. Last year, Air Force leadership thought it was important enough to stand our troops down for a day and the base already has another Wingman Day planned for February.

So let me ask you a few basic questions: Who's your Wingman?

Have you talked to your Wingman lately?

How are you taking care of your fellow Airmen?

Are you being a good Wingman?

I guess I never gave much thought to the discipline aspect of being the commander of a flying squadron, but that's a very important part of the job. During my first 15-months in command I have issued my fair share of Article 15's.

While having to discipline someone bothers me, it's not what makes me angry. What makes me angry is that every incident I had to deal with could have been prevented if my Airman had, had good Wingmen. Being a good Wingman should not be a "bumper sticker" concept. I firmly believe it's a way of life that can help our folks make sound decisions.

So back to my original question; who's your Wingman? It could be a friend, coworker, supervisor or in my case, a first sergeant! According to the Air Force, Airmen at all levels of command have a role as Wingmen. Every situation is different, so it's important for everyone to understand the Wingmen concept and how it applies to them.

Our Air Force is a family unlike any corporation or business you'll ever deal with. Our actions are monitored both on-and-off duty and we are held to the highest standards of conduct. This way of life can generate extreme pressure and many cannot cope without a good support network, one which is generally found in peers.

If you're part of that peer support network make sure you're part of the solution and not part of the problem. Bad company corrupts good character and as Airmen we have a duty to be a good influence on our fellow Airmen and take a genuine interest in their day-to-day actions.

While the Air Force flying community looks at the Wingman concept as a promise, a pledge or a commitment between Airmen who fly, I challenge you to continue to cultivate and instill this same culture of commitment between each other.

Be a good influence for your friends, provide the support network they need and make the Wingman concept a New Year's resolution that you'll actually stick with!