Commentaries

  • Developing Talent: How to develop talent in others

    Many of us are intrigued by talent discovering television shows like "American Idol," "So You Think You Can Dance," and "Next Iron Chef." In addition to providing entertainment value through the elimination process, they also focus on finding and judging talent. When the winner emerges, he or she is

  • Reveille: 'Why should I stop? No one else does.'

    As I passed through the main gate recently on my way to work, Reveille began to play. I'm ashamed to admit that my first grumbling thought was, "Why should I stop? No one else does."But I decided to stop, because we play "To the Colors" and that is the Air Force regulation, as found in AFI 34-1201.

  • Self Inspections: Key to success

    If you've been in the Air Force at least 18 months, being inspected is nothing new. However, the ground rules seem to be constantly changing: more frequent inspections, revised instructions and checklists, and new information technology tools for managing training, equipment, and facilities that

  • Domestic violence survivors share their stories

    I had the incredible opportunity recently to interview four beautiful women. They come from different walks of life, but their stories are similar. I'll get to that in a minute.The first was a 67-year-old that would be considered the quintessential grandmother. The next was a person who, when you

  • Is enlisted performance reporting inflated?

    The Enlisted Performance Reporting system constantly comes under heavy criticism from all ranks in the Air Force. The primary complaint is that the system is considered inflated. So, let me simply say, "If you want it to be, it will be." I recently met with a group of NCO's during a Professional

  • Secret weapon: Airmen initiative can shape our future

    Anyone who has served in or around the military has a favorite story they love to tell about the frustrations of dealing with "the bureaucracy."We're not always so willing to admit that sometimes we're part of the problem. We like to think of the bureaucracy as a formless entity out there slowing

  • Leslie Lorenz on Leadership -- Spouse Wingmen

    I recently met two young military wives. I was so happy to meet these bright, young, eager, new spouses as they and their husbands begin an exciting career in our wonderful Air Force. Randolph AFB is the first assignment for one of the couples. They are originally from the northeast and come from

  • The honor is mine

    Airmen might have one ... two ... maybe three moments in their Air Force career when their name is mentioned alongside one of those that came before us. My moment came this year when I was selected to represent my squadron at the group level for an award.To have my name associated with such an

  • Moral Courage & Ethical Behavior

    If I were to walk into just about any shop on base and say, "We're under attack--grab a weapon and follow me," I'm confident most people would do just that. I've spent enough time in the AOR and watching our Airmen in combat to know that we don't lack physical courage.But what would happen if I

  • Thoughts on Leadership

    You'd never know it by the thermometer, but summer really is winding down as the new school year approaches. With the end of summer vacation comes the end of another busy PCS and change of command season.As a group commander, one of my most important roles is helping new squadron commanders and