AlbieF15
F15 Ret/FDX/InterviewPrep
- Joined
- Nov 25, 2001
- Posts
- 1,764
AF bros,
As I enjoyed the Opie/Kingwood discussion on the Majors board about hanging for 20 vice bailing at the first chance, I couldn't help but notice the different perceptions of current leadership.
Let me start by saying I've been VERY satisfied with most of my commanders and supervisors in the AF. There have been a few mid-level supervisors here and there I haven't liked, and some OG/Wing level guys I thought were out of touch, but by in large I thought most guys I had the chance to work with were not only pretty good leaders doing the best they could, but they were the kind of guys I would enjoy having over to the house on Saturday for a cookout and beer (given the opportunity). Have I just been blessed, or maybe I am a bit of an optimist (or Pollyanna?)
Tonight a buddy who flies F-16s (okay...I have a FEW Viper friends....I just don't advertise that..) gave me some stories about a sqdn CC at a nameless AF base. He actually thought the guy was a good guy, but here are some leadership "pearls" he has thrown down recently.....
--No need to go to the gym during 9-5 on this TDY to Nellis..go to the weapons shop and study instead or go listen in on WIC briefings. Go to the gym at night on your own time. (excuse me....for 4 weeks? Isn't staying in shape part of my warrior culture and job responsibility?)
--No family members on this TDY! We are raging with the BOYS! (As if I didn't see enough of you on the last 120 day SWA rotation? Discresion is always advised on TDY..but a pure 100% BAN on family?)
--Burning leave is a badge of honor. I burned 21 days last year!
--To assist squadron manning....don't take leave Monday through Friday. Try to take Saturday to Monday if possible. Also...don't plan on my approving leave for the 3 days after a 4 day weekend...you need to take leave Saturday-following Monday, not Weds-Friday.
--Standard duty day is approx 12 hours, unless upgrading when it is 14-15.
My take on this is simply that even with great leadership, the AF lifestyle can be a real meatgrinder. The TDYs, stress, and high workoad make the job a challenge under the best of circumstances. If this guy is indicative on what the F16 communtiy (or any community) regularly faces, then when stop loss finally does go away stand clear of the door--the stampede will be overwhelming towards the exit.
Hoping this guy is the exception, but I open the forum up for some of your "good" and "bad" examples of leadership. I'll add a laundry list of "good" that I've seen just here at my base later in the thread for balance, but I want to know if this guy is unique or if his clones are out wearing out the active duty folks.
Fly safe and fights on.
As I enjoyed the Opie/Kingwood discussion on the Majors board about hanging for 20 vice bailing at the first chance, I couldn't help but notice the different perceptions of current leadership.
Let me start by saying I've been VERY satisfied with most of my commanders and supervisors in the AF. There have been a few mid-level supervisors here and there I haven't liked, and some OG/Wing level guys I thought were out of touch, but by in large I thought most guys I had the chance to work with were not only pretty good leaders doing the best they could, but they were the kind of guys I would enjoy having over to the house on Saturday for a cookout and beer (given the opportunity). Have I just been blessed, or maybe I am a bit of an optimist (or Pollyanna?)
Tonight a buddy who flies F-16s (okay...I have a FEW Viper friends....I just don't advertise that..) gave me some stories about a sqdn CC at a nameless AF base. He actually thought the guy was a good guy, but here are some leadership "pearls" he has thrown down recently.....
--No need to go to the gym during 9-5 on this TDY to Nellis..go to the weapons shop and study instead or go listen in on WIC briefings. Go to the gym at night on your own time. (excuse me....for 4 weeks? Isn't staying in shape part of my warrior culture and job responsibility?)
--No family members on this TDY! We are raging with the BOYS! (As if I didn't see enough of you on the last 120 day SWA rotation? Discresion is always advised on TDY..but a pure 100% BAN on family?)
--Burning leave is a badge of honor. I burned 21 days last year!
--To assist squadron manning....don't take leave Monday through Friday. Try to take Saturday to Monday if possible. Also...don't plan on my approving leave for the 3 days after a 4 day weekend...you need to take leave Saturday-following Monday, not Weds-Friday.
--Standard duty day is approx 12 hours, unless upgrading when it is 14-15.
My take on this is simply that even with great leadership, the AF lifestyle can be a real meatgrinder. The TDYs, stress, and high workoad make the job a challenge under the best of circumstances. If this guy is indicative on what the F16 communtiy (or any community) regularly faces, then when stop loss finally does go away stand clear of the door--the stampede will be overwhelming towards the exit.
Hoping this guy is the exception, but I open the forum up for some of your "good" and "bad" examples of leadership. I'll add a laundry list of "good" that I've seen just here at my base later in the thread for balance, but I want to know if this guy is unique or if his clones are out wearing out the active duty folks.
Fly safe and fights on.