The Exceptional Release

LEADING LOGISTICS INTO THE FUTURE: AN EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE “PERSPECTIVES” INTERVIEW WITH MR. STEVEN J. MORANI Interviewed by Maj Geno Fan

THE US MILITARY AND SERVANT LEADERSHIP? AN EXAMINATION OF WHETHER THE TWO ARE TRULY COMPATIBLE FALL 2020 Lt Col Michael Boswell and ER Capt Neal Gupta

UNDERSTANDING ACE Maj James P. Guthrie

TAKING CARE OF YOUR AIRMEN: THE POWER OF EXPERIENCES 1st Lt Annalise K. Blaylock

HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT: A UNIQUE DARE TO CHANGE: LOGISTICS MISSION IN THE UNITED SAFETY AND STATES SPACE FORCE MAINTENANCE CULTURE Lt Col Jacobson Capt Kori Lynn Johnson

THE EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE

THE PROFESSIONAL MILITARY LOGISTICS JOURNAL / ISSUE 152 THE EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE EXECUTIVE BOARD EXECUTIVE STAFF ISSUE 152 – FALL 2020 President Deputy, Chief Information Scott Fike Officer [email protected] Alex Pagano

Vice President Chief Learning Officer Jason Kalin Jerry Ottinger LOA President’s Letter [email protected] [email protected] 4 Ret Col Scott Fike Symposium Directors Chief Financial Officer Kenneth Benton (Chairman) Holly Gramkow Dara Hobbs (Co-Director) Editor’s Letter [email protected] 6 Jennifer Fletcher (Co-Director) Montanna J. Ewers Chief Information Officer Legal Advisor Leading Logistics Into the Future: Ryan VanArtsdalen William Rogers 8 An Exceptional Release “Perspectives” Interview [email protected] with Mr. Steven J. Morani Membership Officers Chief Operations Officer Evin Greensfelder Interviewed by Maj Geno Fan Jondavid DuVall Rachel Weiler (Assistant) [email protected] [email protected] Understanding ACE

14 Maj James P. Guthrie Executive Senior Advisor LOA Historian THE EXCEPTIONAL Lt. Gen. Warren D. Berry Jeffrey Decker RELEASE The US Military and Servant Leadership? AOA Representatives 22 An Examination of Whether the Two Are Truly Compatible Zachary Matthews Lt Col Michael Boswell and Capt Neal Gupta Casey Kleisinger Chief Editor Montanna J. Ewers Board of Advisors [email protected] Taking Care of Your Airmen: The Power of Experiences Judy Fedder, Lt Gen, USAF (Ret) 29 1st Lt Annalise K. Blaylock Kevin Sampels, Col, USAF (Ret) Assistant Editor Art Cameron, Brig Gen, (Ret) Ms. Mary H. Parker Human Space Flight: A Unique Logistics Mission in the United Carol Howitz, Col, USAF (Ret) Patricia Knighten Managing Editors 34 States Space Force Mr. Robert Bosworth Lt Col Jacobson Public Affairs Officer Richard P. Schwing Jacqueline Jastrzebski Andrew Kibellus Dare to Change: Safety and Maintenance Culture Holly Gramkow Civilian Ambassadors 40 Capt Kori Lynn Johnson Nathan Elking Joshua Gee Lisa McCarthy Van Mizak Corbin Aldridge Nicholas Hufnagel Chapter Ambassadors Alexander Barden Anna Kouri Damiqua “Champ” Champion Katie Wallace Maddie Jonson ON THE COVER Director of Publishing, Mitchell Przybocki Graphic Design & Art Airmen prepare a 555th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon Jenny Jones for takeoff from Aviano Air Base, Italy, Oct. 28, 2019. The 555th Corporate Membership Officer FS deployed in support of U.S. Air Forces Central Command. Tyner Apt-Hill (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Caleb House) LOA University Dean Jerry L. Ottinger II

Though COVID-19 unfortunately put our annual event with its fellowship, relationship fostering, LOA University and overall Logistics Symposium in networking, etc., we are excited and optimistic flux—at the end of the day when the jets have been that our Spring 2021 virtual Symposium will be recovered, when our supply chain has provided an awesome event. In a similar vein, as we just critical supplies and parts, when our munitions and experienced with our recent week-long virtual Scott Fike, Col USAF (Ret) fuel support has been readily provided without LOA U, I’ve no doubt that our Spring 2021 virtual President, interruption, and when our Airman and families Symposium will deliver as well. Our Symposium were safe and secure—our team (your team) of Planning Team (Colonel Ken Benton, Lt Col Dara Logistics Officer Association LOA volunteers were working tirelessly across the Hobbs, and Ms. Jennifer Fletcher) got this! There globe. We demonstrated that LOA was prepared is no doubt they will of course ensure next Spring’s to survive, sustain, and remain relevant so we could virtual Symposium is a phenomenal success! continue supporting our community while ensuring The 2021 virtual Symposium will be the second YOU had a viable means wherein to focus on the virtual Symposium (many may recall the 2013 Logistics Profession of Arms. “Sequestration” virtual event) for our LOA, and we have a great team at the ready to get us to the LOA President’s Letter We know our mission is to inspire and connect finish line! Greetings LOG NATION! members by providing value-added professional development and education opportunities through Our Aim, our Purpose, our Vision… is to remain a I continue to hope you remain well and hope you remain safe as we strategic engagement with military leaders and cutting-edge professional development association navigate these ongoing COVID-19 times while not skipping a beat in our defense industry and academia partners. that provides relevant, real, and solution-oriented providing steadied and, as always, dependable ongoing warfighter This year is no different, nor will next year be. learning and collaboration opportunities to support. On many fronts we have been relegated to Zooming, Teaming, COVID may have altered the medium and COVID logistics, acquisition, and technology professionals Goggle “Hangout-ing”, and more. As we all know, while often times we may have altered the approach wherein the LOA across the Department of Defense, Industry, and are not meeting in person, these new—or certainly more prominent—ways Make no mistake, machine delivers its phenomenal support to our Academia. LOA is an extremely strong, consortium- of engaging, communicating, fellowshipping, etc., have enabled LOA to COVID did 1,500+ members (e.g., the postponed 2020 LOA like association, and it has proven—and will maintain a means of ensuring your professional development remains first Symposium). But make no mistake, COVID did NOT continue to prove—that it will take more than a and foremost. NOT alter this alter this organization’s spirit, its drive, its mission pandemic to thwart LOA and LOG NATION! to adjust fire and do what Loggies have always With that and with much excitement, we are pleased to inform you organization’s done and will always do: DELIVER! Be it Live or be As we approach 31 December 2020, wishing all that our first virtual LOA University this year (19 – 23 Oct) was a success it Virtual, LOA fellowship, LOA mentorship, LOA LOG NATION-ers, friends, family, and affiliates the and provided tailored and focused content you asked for—content spirit, its drive, its professional development, and more will not in the Happiest (and safest) of Holiday Seasons as we that facilitated your Leadership and professional development journey mission to adjust least bit be deterred! head toward the end of what has been a different while serving our great Nation and great Air Force. 342 individuals and challenging year. Stay well! registered for this year’s LOA U and had the opportunity to engage with fire and do what LOG NATION, I alluded to our postponed 18 different guest speakers. I would like to extend a huge thanks to all Loggies have Symposium now scheduled for the last week of Tap a Shoulder! our guest speakers who provided their insightful nuggets of wisdom and March 2021. With that, and after having advised Lt Let’s Go — Let’s Grow — Let’s Get After It! experiences with our LOA U attendees. We also certainly remain extremely always done and Gen Berry, Lt Gen Kirkland, and Brig Gen Hurry, grateful to the 36 exhibitors who also partook in this year’s LOA U. will always do: I have an announcement to make (one which has Attendees (comprised of Enlisted, CGO, FGO, Civil Service, and Industry) already circulated within various social media participated in 868 sessions. Of the 29 survey results provided, the DELIVER! circles). With lingering COVID uncertainties, feedback suggested this year’s LOA U, though virtual, was a great success. the LOA Executive Board, with much measured On that note, a huge shout out to JD DuVall, Boyd Stewart, and Jerry deliberation, decided the 2021 Symposium will be Scott Fike Ottinger for planning and driving the 2020 virtual LOA U to a successful virtual. Obviously, this was not an easy decision, President and meaningful conclusion, providing on-going professional development and while nothing of course replaces a live Logistics Officer Association for our LOA members!

Editor’s Letter expect our presence to increase in that medium. Similarly, we seek to engage perspectives from I’m honored to be on board as your next Chief our diverse field of members. Letters to the editor Maximize human Editor. Dave Loska took this publication to a new and quarterly rebuttals still serve a purpose, but level, and I hope to thank him by building on his our 21st-century communication channels afford us momentum. As a field editor for the last five years, new opportunities to generate discussion of ideas. potential with I know I inherit a great team and am excited to You can look forward to the ER staff promoting or work with them to further this journal toward its hosting opportunities to engage authors directly, professional ends. This edition takes a strong aim at whether through Ask-Me-Anythings, forum discussions, or moderated panel debates. Infor Coleman AI human capital, our roles as leaders, and exploring the future of our operations in new or contested. I need your help, though. This is an exciting era for military logistics. After Leverage concentrated artificial intelligence As I said, I am your Chief Editor, and this is our two decades of contingency operations, long-held solutions that deliver: Exceptional Release. While editorial duty and technological and cultural practices are undergoing privilege exist, I want to publish and promote what much-needed scrutiny as we posture our military • Access to MICAP status, briefing you want to know. I want you to contact me with for near-peer competition. Further, we employ the updates, and mission-critical data any questions you have, comments on articles, most culturally diverse force we’ve ever seen. Not in real time concerns over published material, or ideas for the only do we train and equip an exceptionally broad future. Nothing is off the table, and I promise to • Improved efficiency with a swath of the socioeconomic breadth of our great work with you to incorporate your thoughts into our voice-powered user experience citizenry, but we also have the same opportunity journal. You can contact me directly via as our nation’s corporate partners: understanding, • Increased smart automation [email protected], LinkedIn, or Facebook. I engaging, and developing the most dynamic and predictive logistics look forward to hearing from you and working with workforce the world has ever seen. This publication you to improve our logistics community! continues to serve as a marketplace of ideas for the infor.com entire logistics enterprise spectrum’s experience— senior to junior, first-term to brown-shoe, female Your editor, to male, inner-city to rural farmland, tech-savant to tech hostile. I want to hear from all of you.

In line with the scrutiny mentioned above, our Exceptional Release looks inward as well for Montanna J. Ewers

improvement and modernization considerations. Chief Editor We communicate in a new world of social media; Exceptional Release Journal

We used the USAF Weapon School approach as a benchmark for developing Airmen that were not only the best in their specialty, but could share and teach it effectively in order to raise the collective capability of the organizations they were assigned to. These graduates would then continue Mr. Steven J. Morani to pay forward what they learned throughout their “The AMMOS mission careers, thereby making them more effective Department of Defense commanders and staff officers. was to provide logistics Senior Executive Staff ER: Some of our Maintenance Groups are officers a rigorous (20 establishing Maintenance Tactics Sections led weeks at the time), by AMMOS graduates—mirroring the weapons officer model in the operations community. As graduate-level experience the logistics enterprise continues to evolve in preparation for the future fight, what are some where they learned other ways the community can leverage the talent cross-functional logistics Leading Logistics ER: You were part of the beginning of the produced by the AMMOS schoolhouse? AMMOS program as its first Commandant. through the lens of the Morani: I think that is a great idea and an overdue During that period, what did our service need Into the Future evolution in how to best use AMMOS graduates. that drove the standup of the program? When six agile combat support Interviewed by Maj Geno Fan Graduates should also continue to participate it first began, what was your vision for AMMOS in reviews and updates of the 3-series Tactics, master process. on behalf of the Exceptional Release graduates? Techniques and Procedures (TTP) that AMMOS Mr. Steven J. Morani: The vision for AMMOS developed for maintenance and munitions graduates has always been to develop credible, functions. Having best practices codified is Steven J. Morani is a retired aircraft ER: As our fleet of fifth generation aircraft in the humble, and approachable leaders that have the important, but it should be part of both formal and maintenance officer with over 28 years of Air Force inventory continues to grow, we have intellectual agility to think, problem-solve, and unit level training programs. A copy of the TTP active military service and is now a member purchased more Contractor Logistics Support generate combat capability. Equally important, should be one of the first documents a second of the Department of Defense Senior (CLS). Some have argued that shifting back to the logistics community needed expert advisors lieutenant receives at Aircraft Maintenance Officer Executive Staff. He is the Principle Deputy organic support is a more sustainable and viable who had the skills and demeanor to effectively Course (AMOC) in block one of training. TTP is Assistant Secretary of Defense for Logistics. solution. How do you see us balancing these two share what they know with their leadership, not just for officers, but for mid- and senior-level Mr. Morani was also the first Commandant maintenance models? peers, and subordinates. Establishing the school NCOs as well. AMMOS graduates should also be of the Advanced Maintenance and was in response to a task given to the logistics part of exercise scenario development to ensure Morani: You have it correct when you use the Munitions Officer School, now known as community by former Chief of Staff of the Air squadrons, groups, and wings are practicing term “balance.” For “white jet” undergraduate the Advanced Maintenance and Munitions Force, General John P. Jumper at a CORONA and validating the right skills. Finally, I’ll point pilot training, 100 percent CLS may work, but not Operations School (AMMOS). Most conference. Lessons learned from Operation to something developed about six years ago for maintaining operational readiness of military recently, Mr. Morani served as the Deputy ALLIED FORCE revealed that the USAF had gaps by Col Bill Ray and expanded by then AMMOS forces. It is an inherent responsibility of the military Director on the COVID-19 Joint Acquisition in understanding and executing the complexities Commandant, Col Greg Lowe. This was the to have the technical competencies to manage Task Force, which was established to of generating and sustaining aircraft under concept of a logistics verification program to train and perform field level maintenance and the synchronize and provide interagency expeditionary conditions. This crucial knowledge and test local leaders on their wartime tasking, other supply chain processes to support fielded assistance to the Health and Human and skill atrophied over years of operating as a much like the operations community does for forces. This is not the role of contractors, but the Services’ national response to the COVID-19 rotational force. their mission verification. My understanding is mission of an operationally ready, fight-tonight pandemic requests for medical resources. that this program has been formalized through military. While contractors can support some The Exceptional Release had the privilege The AMMOS mission was to provide logistics the AMMOS program and graduate network, depot-level and enterprise supply chain roles, it of discussing his thoughts on developing officers a rigorous (20 weeks at the time), and it is a phenomenal way to train and test an is essential that we have a ready and right-sized expert logisticians, preparing for the future graduate-level experience where they learned organization’s preparedness while uncovering logistics capability to keep the force proficient fight, and leading through crisis. cross-functional logistics through the lens of gaps in capabilities. and to sustain them in a conflict. This includes all the six agile combat support master process. the supply chain processes as well. We need to

8 | EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE MILITARY JOURNAL | ATLOA.ORG | ISSUE 152 ISSUE 152 | ATLOA.ORG | EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE MILITARY JOURNAL | 9 carefully consider what we outsource, particularly ER: Some Air Force senior leaders have made However, we can reduce life cycle sustainment as it relates to field-level logistics, whether that comments regarding the service spending too costs by focusing on the long game rather than is supporting sortie production for training or much on sustainment and that we need to figure upfront procurement costs. The sustainment key contingencies. out how to scale sustainment funding in order to performance parameter (KPP) that was added to accelerate the development of new technology. the capabilities development and design process ER: How do we meet the demands of the high- As requirements/cost growth continue to be a considered sustainment an integral component to end fight while balancing the need to sustain our concern as we take on weapon systems like the performance. It ensures the Warfighter is delivered Logistics sets the legacy weapon systems? “ F-35 and KC-46, how and where do we find the a system with optimal availability and reliability balance? at an affordable life cycle cost. Funding reliability outer limits of what is Morani: Your question implies that we cannot centered maintenance programs to increase meet a high-end fight with legacy systems. A Morani: If the intention is to take funds from operationally possible— legacy platform is not necessarily bad if it still mean time between failures also reduces costs current readiness accounts to support future and improves availability. Investing in sustainment it can be the enabler satisfies the capability requirements of the changes in structural readiness, I fundamentally Warfighter. It’s only problematic when the system technologies that reduce troubleshooting and disagree with this zero-sum approach, because inspection cycle times and implementing modern that guarantees victory, is at the end of its life cycle without a funded it upsets the balance between operational and modernization or service life extension program. maintenance strategies like Condition-Based or the constraint that structural readiness. It trades one thing for Maintenance Plus (CBM+) to perform maintenance While it’s essential for the Department to maintain another, when we really need both. a technological advantage over our adversary, based on a deep understanding of repair data causes defeat. it should not be at the expense of sustainment. Sustainment is a requirement and not tradeable. and projected need serve to round out the I cringe when I hear people talk about taking Although it tends to be traded-off because the combination of options that a program office can funding away from sustainment and putting it impacts are not felt upfront in the acquisition use to control or even reverse sustainment cost into development. This assumes that somehow cycle. However, it is no less important than any growth. sustainment requirements are less important other capability that is necessary to deliver Another point I would make is really a question: than mission or developmental requirements. mission effects and should not be viewed as a “What problem are we trying to solve?” Is it a Sustainment is not an option. It is designed into trade-off to fund structural readiness. The cost problem with the defense industrial base not each weapons system and to trade it off will cause of sustaining fielded systems is set when the having the competencies and proficiencies the system to age out earlier than designed or sustainment strategy is designed as part of the to design and build modern, highly complex not meet the designed capability of the system. overall acquisition strategy. Perhaps the cost to weapons systems? If so, that is a different problem Skip a couple of maintenance cycles on your achieve an incremental increase in reliability or that can be addressed in other more creative sophisticated European sports sedan and you maintainability was seen as too costly at the time ways than with sustainment funding. Perhaps will find out just how much more expensive it is to and more frequent inspections were required, this problem can be solved more affordably restore the performance than if you accomplished or perhaps a technology wasn’t mature enough by using advanced modeling and simulation the maintenance when scheduled. to deliver the designed availability and therefore approaches, or build-offs that hone the skills of more spares were required to support the system. scientists and engineers, but do not necessarily Either way, the die was cast during the acquisition result in the replacement of weapon systems phase and once fielded, we must live with those that are still operationally relevant. Just like we decisions. As systems age through their life cycle, strive to become more efficient with sustainment they require continuous inspection, test, service, dollars, the same argument can be made with how repair, rebuild, and calibration. If we rob from we invest in basic research, development, and sustainment accounts, the readiness impacts engineering. “While it’s essential for the may not show up immediately, but the effects will manifest when there are no spares on the The last point I would make is that requirements Department to maintain a shelf. When this occurs, readiness rates drop owners (aka “the Warfighter”) should be at the technological advantage drastically, not slightly. From there, recovery may center of these discussions. The Warfighter will take years due to parts lead-time delay or worse, ultimately be responsible for determining the over our adversary, it obsolescence due to no demand signal. There’s a balance between operational readiness and direct relationship between a healthy inventory of structural readiness. Where this risk is spread is should not be at the spares and operational readiness. for commanders to determine, not developers or expense of sustainment. sustainers.

10 | EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE MILITARY JOURNAL | ATLOA.ORG | ISSUE 152 ISSUE 152 | ATLOA.ORG | EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE MILITARY JOURNAL | 11 ER: Recently, you were part of a Joint Acquisition surge in consumption (i.e. a major conflict) while ER: As the new Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Morani: In line with what we discussed earlier, Task Force helping to solve medical and health the organic and defense sector manufacturers General Brown laid out his top priorities during I would change how we assume risk and how resource shortages and on-shore manufacturing produce to sustain operations. As with the medical his May confirmation hearing with the Senate we fund our logistics capabilities. While we all capability to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. readiness model, the Department will also need Armed Services Committee—his number six recognize there are budget trade-offs, we must How has COVID-19 affected our supply chain? Do to make the appropriate investments in parts priority is “establishing flexible logistics.” Nested keep a proper balance between developing new you see the pandemic’s impact as short-term or inventories and capacity. in his priority is the idea of logistics under attack capabilities and sustaining our current capabilities. long-term? What are some lessons learned the and the need for agile and survivable solutions. It is a balance between what has been described Department can apply post-pandemic? ER: American society is feeling the effects of this How do you see the mindset of the logistics as structural readiness (i.e., do I have the right new stay-at-home and telework environment. community shifting to meet the Chief’s guidance? force structure and can it accomplish what I need Morani: I could go in several directions with this As a senior leader, how do you continue to build to do) and operational readiness (i.e., is my force question, so let me talk about how this event connectedness amongst your team and remain Morani: The concept of logistics under attack is proficient and adequately equipped to fight demonstrates that readiness requires both a tightly linked with your work force? not new. Coming from Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), now). Logistics sets the outer limits of what is healthy inventory and a healthy industrial base. General Brown has a greater appreciation and operationally possible—it can be the enabler that Morani: In my organization we have a mix of This pandemic shined the light on how fragile our is rightly addressing how to operate within a guarantees victory, or the constraint that causes medical supply chains became when we traded-off employees teleworking and those physically contested environment where long lines of reporting for duty. We have daily morning defeat. If we do not adequately and consistently readiness for low prices and minimized inventory communication are no longer guaranteed secure. resource logistics and sustainment accounts cost by holding minimal days-of-supply. Just synchronization meetings to make sure we have To meet the Chief’s intent, the mindset for not only “ears on” with the entire team at least once a to achieve the operational readiness levels like military readiness, medical readiness needs the logistics community but also the operations necessary to support the plans and capability both elements; it just happens to be different day. As a positive consequence of sheltering, the community has to change. Logistical support pandemic has accelerated the use of multiple requirements of the Warfighter, we won’t be commodities. This is why the Department of Health cannot just be assumed available; in fact, planning ready. Logistics requirements are not optional or and Human Services is not only replenishing the new collaboration tools that are making it easy to should reflect the opposite. We should assume communicate and, where cameras are authorized, any less important than operational or mission strategic national stockpile, but also radically it will be limited in scope and duration as well as requirements. They are part of the military resizing and equipping it with the necessary still see each other. For a mature workforce require more time to reconstitute. While we need that has learned appropriate socialization skills readiness “insurance premium” and we need to medical personal protective equipment (PPE), to make investments in equipment and supplies to treat them equally. pharmaceuticals, and testing supplies to respond and have pre-existing relationships, I’ve seen support this concept, we cannot completely buy to a national level crisis. This means increasing minimal negative impact. My concern is with new our way out of this problem, nor can we assume ER: If you met Lieutenant Morani today, what inventory levels by 1000-2000 percent for some employees on-boarding into an organization that operations will be restricted to one region of piece of advice would you give him? key PPE items. In addition, the nation needs a and ensuring they are able to establish healthy the globe. Therefore, we need to shift our thinking ready and controlled source of domestic medical relationships. Building connectedness must be in terms of a globally integrated approach. The Morani: There is a lot of advice I could give supplies, so we need establish companies that deliberate through creating opportunities to grow current Joint Concept for Logistics describes Lieutenant Morani as he begins his military journey, can produce these items on our shores. This is those relationships. Again, for a mature workforce, the required capabilities that we need to enable but if I had to give him one piece of advice above similar to how the military departments have this is less of a problem, but for new entrants to logistics that are flexible and globally integrated. all others that would help him as a leader and as an organic industrial base that can produce the the workforce, this will be problematic. Human For this concept to work, we also need a decision a productive citizen, I would tell him to always commodities and equipment to sustain weapon capital development will be negatively affected support information network, enabled through treat others with dignity and respect. Everyone systems. Just like depots, these companies also if high school and college students do not return a common operating picture, where operations, has value and deserves to be treated with equal need some level of reserve capacity that can to in-school learning. Remote learning can lead intelligence, and logistics information can be respect. While everyone may not have the same ramp to a higher production rate through second to a slow down or disengagement in learning, synthesized to identify requirements, anticipate aptitude, capabilities, or aspirations, everyone or third shift operations to meet peak demand. causing students to be ill-prepared to enter the problems, and assess availability or constraints. has the ability to contribute in a positive way if Although, to have this healthy domestic medical workforce. From a socialization perspective, lack of Information agility will be key under the Chief’s given the opportunity. Assume that everyone industrial base, it must be economically viable and common rules, behavioral norms and expectations concept and will provide commanders timely has positive intentions and that if given the right sustainable, otherwise it will be temporary. If we will also affect how groups interact and manage options to rapidly allocate, reallocate, or apportion motivation, they will create value for your team. take a short-term view that a vaccine will solve our disagreement in a civil, professional manner. If materiel based on optimal courses of action. It’s up to leaders to find the right fit for each team problems and do not invest in this capability, we society doesn’t prepare young adults entering the member, and to challenge and develop them to will likely repeat the same outcome in the event military, that means it falls to the Services to spend ER: If you could change something in the Air contribute their best to the mission. This is the of another pandemic. For the Department of more time and resources to ensure new recruits Force logistics portfolio that would make us more essence of leadership. Defense, we can use COVID-19 to recognize our understand and can operate as a unit. lethal, agile, or effective, what would it be? own need for a “healthy-shelf” that can absorb a

12 | EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE MILITARY JOURNAL | ATLOA.ORG | ISSUE 152 ISSUE 152 | ATLOA.ORG | EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE MILITARY JOURNAL | 13 the fall of the Soviet Union will not serve us well in future conflicts. We no longer face violent extremist organizations with limited funding and minimal capability to destroy fully manned and equipped Air Force bases. We now face modern, technologically advanced adversaries who have studied our tactics and strategies over the last twenty years and created “The way we have strategies for power competition while we fought organized and insurgencies around the world. Neither the People’s Republic of China (PRC) nor the Russian Federation (RF) operated our bases want full-scale war with the United States, but both are willing to push the boundaries of international norms for more than in order to increase territory, influence, or both (as demonstrated by the PRC’s actions in the South China twenty years has Sea and the RF’s invasion of Ukraine). Both the PRC and become a liability, the RF recognize that when the American military goes to war, we seek to supply and maintain a forward line of not a strength. troops at positions of advantage far from the homeland. This strategy also puts us at a significant logistical disadvantage. Therefore, both of our adversaries have focused on Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2AD) as a strategic approach because this exacerbates our disadvantage. Further, if matters did escalate to armed Understanding ACE conflict, the opening stages would immediately see the PRC and the RF attempting to destroy our nearest By: Maj James P. Guthrie, USAF forward bases via air or missile strike as part of a gambit to inflict enough damage that retaliation would be nearly impossible. This is a keystone of the RF’s strategy called Strategic Operation for Destruction of Critically Important Targets.²

Released in 2016, the Air Force’s Air Superiority benefit from a more nuanced understanding of In the face of all this, why does ACE matter? The way 2030 Flight Plan¹ contained a section called the concept, to include why it matters now and we have organized and operated our bases for more “Basing and Logistics.” This section introduced the multitude of ways it can be utilized. Further, than twenty years has become a liability, not a strength. several concepts, to include adaptive basing and especially in the logistics arena, areas of criticism Our most forward Main Operating Bases (MOB) have untethered operations, that might have been new and concern must be addressed in order to become the first thing our adversaries will seek to to some logisticians at the time. These concepts successfully execute ACE. I will address these defeat. MOBs are not only large, centralized collections form the basis of what has become Agile Combat subjects below, drawing attention to why ACE is of personnel and equipment, but they are also logistical Employment (ACE). Since then, more people are critical to the Air Force’s future success, and close hubs and storehouses of materiel. By eliminating a familiar with these ideas as they have spread from with reflections on why we cannot wait for the MOB, the adversary not only degrades our immediate Pacific Air Forces (where the beginnings of the future to execute ACE in the field. combat capability via personnel killed and equipment modern iteration of this concept were exercised destroyed, but they also degrade our future ability to Why ACE Now? as early as 2014) to US Air Forces in Europe (which repair our remaining assets and bring new personnel has successfully executed several Rapid Raptor The 2018 National Defense Strategy clearly lays out and materiel forward. The Air Force needs to find ways deployments) and Air Combat Command (ACC) that we are in an era of great power competition. to reduce its vulnerability by reducing its dependence (which presently seeks to codify ACE). However, The strategic basing concepts that have formed on large forward-presence MOBs. One way to do this is despite increased familiarity, the field would the cornerstone of Air Force operations since by increasing our force’s agility and decentralizing our operations and logistics functions. The Air Force must Image Above: A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon flies over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Oct. 14, 2020. The challenge the status quo of what forward deployment F-16 is a compact, multirole fighter aircraft that has proven itself in both air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. (U.S. Air Force looks like. The answer is to pursue ACE. photo by Senior Airman Duncan C. Bevan)

14 | EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE MILITARY JOURNAL | ATLOA.ORG | ISSUE 152 ISSUE 152 | ATLOA.ORG | EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE MILITARY JOURNAL | 15 What is ACE? specificity of their mission (suppression of enemy primary goals will be to limit our communication air defenses, air-to-air combat, close air support, between strategic and tactical level decision The Air Force does not have a definition for ACE or tactical strike) they need to be closer to the makers. Further, our enemy’s use of A2/AD in its doctrine. As an overarching concept, the action. The larger number of these aircraft and strategies threatens to significantly hamper the best definition I have found comes from Maj their ability to refuel and withdraw from an area ability of C2ISR assets like AWACS and JSTARS, General (Retired) Brian Killough, former Deputy quickly allows for greater risk with forward basing resulting in further degradation of battlespace Commander, Pacific Air Forces and Deputy These teams are relative to enemy proximity. The High Value Air awareness and communication capabilities at Theater Air Component Commander to the “ Assets (HVAA) that largely comprise the CAF’s the strategic level. When coupled with forward- Commander, US Indo-Pacific Command: “Agile comprised of multi-role Command and Control, Intelligence, Surveillance, deployed combat support ground crews and Combat Employment focuses on the ability to Airmen who can perform and Reconnaissance (C2ISR) fleet must initially operational forces utilizing maneuver and mobility disperse, recover and rapidly resume operations retrograde from the contested area to a safe as a survival mechanism, this creates a significant in a contested or austere environment.”³ The the duties of multiple Air operating location, as losing any of these assets in C2 challenge for the Air Force. Since the 1990s the seminal document on the ACE concept is Brown, an opening strike would be devastating to national Air Force has utilized the Combined Air Operations Spacy, and Glover’s 2015 article “Untethered Force Specialty Codes security. However, these assets must be able to be Center (CAOC) to generate operational goals 4 Operations.” The authors lay out a scenario in utilized in combat once air superiority is achievable and target lists, carry out airspace deconfliction, which fighter aircraft utilize a network of forward and are supported by in the battle space. Therefore, a separate approach prioritize assets, and even target weaponeering. operating locations (FOL) for refueling and re- forward-based fuels and for ACE must be developed for HVAAs as well. This information is subsequently passed down arming, thus reducing or eliminating the need for This means there are three resource related to the squadron level through the Expeditionary these aircraft to return to a MOB. This enables equipment packages. lenses (Mobility/Bombers, Fighters, and HVAA) Wing command structure on a daily basis via the these fighter aircraft to remain at the forward edge through which to consider the execution of the two Air Tasking Order. The next generation of warfare of battle longer and enhances the effects a single operational lenses of ACE (steady state ACE and and the execution of ACE must assume that aircraft can have in a conflict. These fighters and permanence, which complicates the adversary’s ACE-S), for a total of six variations. Despite there centralized control will be lost in the first 48 hours FOLs are not supported by permanent ground risk calculus. ACE-S is the idea that with limited being six variations of the concept, they all share of war. Leaders should plan to distribute C2 from crew attached to a long-term operating location, warning (12 hours at most) prior to the start of central considerations that need to be addressed if a single node like the CAOC to multiple, smaller but by teams that fly from location to location in 6 hostilities, US and allied forces are dispersed from the Air Force is to successfully implement ACE. C2 nodes. Moreover, this distributed control a cargo aircraft, providing logistics support and MOBs to geographically separate locations with must also extend from the operations realm to temporarily activating sites as needed. These Considerations and Areas of Concern with ACE the expectation that the MOB will not survive the the combat support realm. Ground commanders teams are comprised of multi-role Airmen who can initial attack. These dispersed forces would quickly of multi-role airmen, necessary to execute the perform the duties of multiple Air Force Specialty The execution of ACE requires a sea change, not reconstitute, report accountability, and move on forward presence inherent to the ACE concept, Codes and are supported by forward-based just in how we think about basing, but also how we to pre-planned operating locations to provide must have the flexibility to decide when to move fuels and equipment packages. To those who are approach C2 of logistics and logistics processes. combat airpower to the Combatant Commander and what risk is acceptable to enable the mission. familiar with the Rapid Raptor concept, this should These functions are intricately intertwined with (CCDR) within 24-48 hours of the opening of In a scenario where there is no ability to call back sound familiar because it is the natural next step in traditional basing concepts, and changing one hostilities. to a Colonel for permission for a one time flight the evolution for this idea. requires consideration of changes to the others. Further, tomorrow’s near-peer conflict will for a Red-X aircraft, we have to be ready to allow Inherent within both Steady State ACE and ACE-S Captains and SNCOs to make the call and assume The most recent Joint All-Domain Strategist inevitably include cyber warfare, which has the is the need to differentiate among how these the risk. If the situation in a FOL deteriorates to School (JADSS) graduates from Air Command potential to cripple our existing C2 and logistics operations are carried out for different airframes. the point that the team must make an unplanned and Staff College spent a year studying ACE. processes. While integrating these functions into One could assume that Mobility Air Force assets move, the Air Force needs to allow the team lead Based on my review of a selection of their papers ACE, we must also examine their potential cyber and strategic bombers would be pulled back to make that decision if communications are and presentations, there are at least six different vulnerabilities as well as how we can adapt and as far as feasible from the conflict to preserve otherwise unavailable. ways in which ACE could be executed. A key overcome them. their capabilities while keeping them available distinction the JADSS scholars highlighted in their for CCDR requirements. Non-bomber Combat In all cases where distributed control becomes paper “EUCOM Agile Combat Employment: A Successful execution of C2 in ACE requires a Air Force (CAF) aircraft need to be split into at the order of the day, clear communication of Proposed Framework” was the difference between willingness to both move away from centralized least two different categories based on mission commander’s intent becomes invaluable. In our a type of steady-state ACE and ACE for Survival control/decentralized execution and accept that sets and strategic value of individual assets. present command schema, the Wing Commander (ACE-S).5 Steady-state ACE is used in a deterrent in modern warfare, leadership down to the wing- Fighter aircraft will theoretically constitute the gives their intent to the Group Commander who or combat role by spreading US and allied forces level will have limited understanding of the battle weight of effort in the opening days of any high- then passes it to the Squadron Commander, down over multiple FOLs with varying levels of size and space’s present state. One of our adversary’s level conflict. Based on their limited range and to the Flight Commander, etc. In ACE, there may

16 | EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE MILITARY JOURNAL | ATLOA.ORG | ISSUE 152 ISSUE 152 | ATLOA.ORG | EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE MILITARY JOURNAL | 17 not be time for communication to work its way theater. Now consider data corruption in a They might be like a Readiness Spares Package that through the traditional chain of command, so supply system—corruption so severe that it the Air Force already uses for deployments, but it is critically important that leaders at all levels shuts down the primary logistics IT systems they would need to be independent of a particular understand commander’s intent well enough to we use. The issue, sourcing, and delivery time unit and able to remain in cool storage at a forward execute missions at a moment’s notice. If the Air now more than triple when our Airmen begin location for an extended period of time. Moreover, Force is to execute ACE, distributed control and to utilize degraded operations procedures to these kits need to be transportable via air, truck, or increased risk at lower levels is necessary, as is process transactions. With even further system rail to maximize their mobility. Decentralized kits Several Air Force a willingness to operate on commander’s intent degradation, they are relegated to using non- also require the Air Force to buy more parts. This is a when the adversary denies access to traditional C2 traditional communication means, and the necessary step in preparing us for modern war where logisticians have recently structures. sourcing time triples again.7 we will use ACE as either a deterrent or a means to pointed out that our project power. The necessary creation of new parts Modern Air Force logistics, specifically our aircraft Lieutenant General Berry, Headquarters US might allow some reinvigoration of the DOD supply supply system is not ready supply system, is a theoretical marvel of efficiency. Air Force’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, chain along the lines of Lieutenant General Berry’s This efficiency is such that we rarely have excess Engineering, and Force Protection, noted: comment, but it would require additional financial to support operations in a stock crowding our supply warehouse shelves. DOD supply chains have become fragile and investment in a time of projected shrinking military The system as a whole is computer driven with budgets. modern armed conflict. local and enterprise stock levels being constantly brittle. We have been forced to predominantly monitored and updated with part utilization rely on sole-source suppliers, which creates Command and control and logistics functions are just information. The flip side of this is that we have single points of failure in our supply chains, two of the primary areas we must change if we are to extremely limited parts stock-on-hand for surge erodes the manufacturing base, creates a successfully execute ACE. Other areas exist, and they operations, and the entire computer-based system multitude of manpower challenges, and limits each carry a variety of secondary concerns that must 8 depends on numerous civilian systems that are our capacity to surge in times of crisis. be explored: extremely vulnerable to cyberattack. Obviously, Over the last twenty years, our supply chain has • Where will we establish these new FOLs? this is not acceptable in a wartime scenario. become a wonder of efficiency with low local stock Several Air Force logisticians have recently pointed • How do we get partner nations to allow us to levels, just-in-time parts delivery, computerized establish new FOLs, even on a temporary basis? out that our supply system is not ready to support inventory control, and preferred relations with operations in a modern armed conflict. As Captain vendors and shippers. But while this efficiency may • How do we secure and account for Planning for wartime Alex Pagano, an Air Force Logistics Readiness be a best practice for the commercial enterprise, it forward deployed logistics kits at a Officer, wrote in an article for the ER earlier this does not meet the need of the military enterprise. cool (not actively used) FOL? execution of ACE-S and year: • What does the manpower and The execution of ACE requires the Air Force supply steady-state ACE needs In order to move this single part, it took six administrative structure for a multi- chain to be less efficient and less centralized. role Airman ground team look like? primary systems to accomplish this request. A forward MOB with a large parts warehouse to be prioritized and Moreover, these primary systems are supported becomes a vulnerability when the MOB is attacked. • What will training for a multi-role Airman entail? executed now. by 323 other wholesale and retail systems with If we are to use ACE as a deterrent, we must • How are decisions made regarding hundreds of interfaces between them that move toward decentralized supply kits at forward what sites to utilize and when? drive the entire logistics enterprise—each one a locations that are left there for extended periods vulnerability. of time. In the opening days and weeks of a conflict There are a number of issues to work out before we can start executing ACE Air Force-wide, let alone use Our reliance on these systems is revealed we should not plan on private contractors flying parts into a war zone for just-in-time fixes, nor it in a combat situation, but the time to start figuring through the changes in logistics response out those things is now. times when we begin to operate in a degraded should we task what will be an already overtaxed environment. Continuing to use the European military mobility or Civil Reserve Air Fleet in the theater as an example—under normal day-to- same way. Forward located supply kits will offset day operations, it takes approximately twenty this requirement and enable continued forward minutes to issue a part if it currently resides in ACE operations. These kits do not need to have one of the kits or in the warehouse on base. To all the same parts that a supply warehouse might transport that part, it takes, on average, 5.4 days have, but they should have the most used parts to move it from the homeland into the European and the ones most critical for mission execution.

Having covered what ACE is, as well as touching Quite often, ACE is referred to as a future concept ABOUT THE AUTHOR on some Maj areas of concern with its execution, for Air Force operations. Considering the present Maj Guthrie is the 461st AMXS Maintenance Operations Officer. In this role he manages all flight line maintenance let us return to the why. As previously stated, situation in global politics, I suggest that ACE and world-wide utilization of the Air Force’s 16 E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System aircraft fleet we need ACE because the era of great power is a concept we need now. Obviously, we must valued at $5.9 billion. He was commissioned in 2009 through the Officer Training School at Maxwell Air Force competition has returned. Unfortunately, the other overcome numerous challenges. The move to Base in Montgomery, Alabama and is a graduate of the Aircraft Maintenance and Munitions Operations School’s great powers decided that we were the “greatest” a steady-state deterrent ACE posture will not Combat Support Course. In his previous assignment he was a Senior Instructor at the Japanese Air Self Defense power and therefore their strategies are designed happen overnight but we must start taking steps Force’s 1st Technical School and served as a regular lecturer at their Officer Candidate School and Senior Pilot to defeat us in our present combat orientation. toward it. Planning for wartime execution of ACE-S Course. Prior to that he served as the 4th Maintenance Group Operations Officer and is a four-time graduated That alone should prod us to reconsider how we and steady-state ACE needs to be prioritized and Aircraft Maintenance Unit Officer in Charge with experience on the HH-60, F-15E, Mi-17, C-208, C-182, and MD-530 plan to fight. The RF, the more overtly aggressive executed now. Units must practice how they would aircraft. Additionally, Maj Guthrie deployed twice to Operation Enduring Freedom, serving once as an air advisor of our allies, is on a downward trajectory in terms operate at temporary FOLs and anticipate what to the Afghan Air Force and once as a deployed Aircraft Maintenance Unit Officer in Charge. of power and power potential. Its population a multi-role Airman ground support team would demographic will continue to trend downwards look like. Program offices need to start looking at for at least the next three decades.9 Its economy how the supply chain could be made more robust, is largely dependent on fossil fuels, the cost of and we need the Air Force and Maj commands References which are also trending steeply downwards and to start giving units guidelines on execution 1. Air Superiority 2030 Flight Plan. 4. Brown, C. Q., Spacy, B. D., & 7. Pagano, A. (2020, Feb 22). will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. expectations. While ACC is presently working on (2016, May) Retrieved from Glover, C. G., III. (2015, June). ER: Logistics Under Attack. As it stands right now, its economy is roughly the ACE, my impression is that the command might https://www.af.mil/Portals/1/ Untethered Operations: Rapid Retrieved from https://atloa.org/ same size as New York State’s, and it will only get not have input from the field that should drive documents/airpower/Air%20 Mobility and Forward Basing er-logistics-under-attack/?fbclid smaller. Its leader, President Vladimir Putin, has planning. My suggestion to address this is a series Superiority%202030%20 Are Keys to Airpower’s Success =IwAR2ZNq6BQA64cCdOESCY enough power and political influence that he just of conferences on how to execute ACE across Flight%20Plan.pdf in the Antiaccess/Area-Denial 10lyxsEFmgrOOIKGiiYz3VuOoFn successfully rewrote the RF’s laws in such a way the CAF, utilizing the subject matter experts from Environment. Air and Space RVyyhcHSigsQ that he will remain in power until he dies. Taking the field. ACE cannot wait. Our adversaries have 2. Johnson, D. (2018). Russia’s Power Journal. Retrieved from all this into account, this is the RF’s high-water planned to defeat us as we organize, deploy, and Conventional Precision Strike https://www.airuniversity. 8. Berry, W. (2020, Mar 24). ER: mark for the next several decades, and their best fight now. Our adversaries’ best moment to attack Capabilities, Regional Crises, and af.edu/Portals/10/ASPJ/journals/ Persistent Logistics. Retrieved Volume-29_Issue-3/SLP-Brown_ moment to strike. is now or in the near future. If we want to win the Nuclear Thresholds. Livermore from https://atloa.org/14030-2/ Papers on Global Security No Spacy_Glover.pdf next war, we must defeat their calculus and force 3. Lawrence Livermore National The PRC, while less overtly aggressive, is the them to reconsider. ACE is how we do this. ACE 9. Eberstadt, N. (2019, Jul 09). With Laboratory Center for Global 5. Majs Adam, Belger, Buell, & Great Demographics Comes more dangerous of our adversaries over the is not a future concept; ACE is a concept for the long-term due to its economic might, manpower, Security Research. Retrieved Franks & Goncalves & Hayward Great Power. Retrieved from present. from https://cgsr.llnl.gov/ & Kinard & McQueen & Mendel and rapid leaps forward in technology and https://www.foreignaffairs.com/ content/assets/docs/Precision- & Morabito & Paul & Schroeder combat capability. However, the PRC faces similar articles/world/2019-06-11/great- Strike-Capabilities-report-v3-7. (2019). EUCOM Agile Combat demographics-comes-great- demographic challenges to the RF and may be Special thanks to the Joint All-Domain Strategists pdf Employment: A Proposed power crippled under the economic weight of caring Framework [Unpublished for its older generation by the 2040s.10 Also, the School Class of 2020 for allowing me to review a 3. Killough, M. (2020, Feb 10). The Report]. Joint All-Domain 10. Ibid. PRC’s rapid economic expansion has slowed, and selection of their papers and presentations and to Complicated Combat Future Strategists School, Air Command as the PRC shifts away from the manufacturing- Lt Col Joshua Downing and Maj Ernest “Nacho” of the U.S. Air Force. Retrieved and Staff College. 11. Jacob-Phillips, S. (2020, Jan 17). based economy that drove its growth over the last Nisperos for reviewing the initial drafts. from https://nationalinterest.org/ Instant View: China’s economic twenty years we can expect to see the slow-down feature/complicated-combat- 6. Priebe, M., Vick, A. J., Heim, growth slows to 6.1% in 2019, continue.11 Similar to the RF, General Secretary future-us-air-force-121226 J. L., & Smith, M. L. (2019). near 30-year low. Retrieved of the Communist Party Xi Jinping has recently Distributed Operations in from https://www.reuters.com/ centralized power around himself, demonstrating a Contested Environment: article/us-china-economy-gdp- considerable political strength. Here again we see Implications for USAF Force instantview-idUSKBN1ZG092 that our adversary is at or near the apogee of its Presentation. Rand Corporation. Retrieved from https://www. power but that this will begin to wane in the next rand.org/pubs/research_reports/ ten years. RR2959.html

20 | EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE MILITARY JOURNAL | ATLOA.ORG | ISSUE 152 ISSUE 152 | ATLOA.ORG | EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE MILITARY JOURNAL | 21 “The mediocre teacher tells. The good leadership style is highly desirable, leaders who teacher explains. The superior teacher claim to be servants often exhibit the concept of illusory superiority. Coined by both David Dunning demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” and Justin Kruger, and affectionately known as — William Arthur Ward the Dunning-Kruger Effect, illusory superiority is the cognitive bias in which a member may As practitioners of leadership, it is often objectively and mentally create the self-assurance overwhelming to stay up to date with the latest to overestimate their abilities (Fehlhaber, 2017). conversation regarding philosophies in leadership. It is a bias used on one’s self that directly relates Two chief leadership theories permeating military to the overconfidence in one’s abilities. With that academia today are toxic leadership and servant mentioned, it forces us to drive deeper into what is leadership. Within this article, we will focus on servant leadership at its core? the latter of the two—servant leadership. As an emerging concept among the military, servant The term servant leadership was first published in leadership first appeared more than half a century 1970 by Robert K. Greenleaf in his dissertation The ago. There are without question parallels between Servant as Leader. Greenleaf defines this leader’s military service and a person who swore an oath focus as primarily on the growth and well-being to serve and protect the US Constitution and the of people and the communities to which they American people at all costs. Characteristics like belong. He further asserts that “the servant-leader self-sacrifice, humility, and selflessness come to shares power, puts the needs of others first and mind when we imagine the ideal servant leader. helps people develop and perform as highly as Most of us aspire to be servant leaders, and others possible” (What Is Servant Leadership?, n.d.). If The US Military and Servant Leadership: want to work for one. While servant leadership toxic leadership is on one end of a leadership has gained much visibility amongst rank and file, continuum and servant leader on the other, then An Examination of Whether the Two can this leadership model fit neatly within the it stands to reason that one would actively seek to military leadership continuum? This article intends identify or embody the characteristics of servant Are Truly Compatible to examine whether servant leadership and the leadership. Given the fact that so many military art of military leadership are conducive. With leaders have been relieved from positions due to By: Lt Col Michael L. Boswell & Capt Neal K. Gupta more and more leaders seeking to emulate this creating a toxic work environment, it is no surprise concept, a brief analysis will occur in this article that servant leadership is a hot topic of discussion on whether the idea of military leadership and within military academia. servant leadership are complementary or mutually ABSTRACT: exclusive. Now that we have Greenleaf’s definition in mind, let’s discuss what military academia says about Over the past few years, the world of leadership in With that mentioned, can the military truly become For consideration, those who exhibit servant this concept. Master Sergeant (MSG) Aaron L. academia has seemed to be somewhat stagnant. an organization where servant leadership is the leadership characteristics seek to be at the apex Griffing, XVIII Airborne Corps & Fort Bragg, Specifically, in the military, the focus of a leader is sought after and preferred leadership style for of any leadership continuum. This trait would be Non-Commissioned Officer Academy defines more confined to a continuum that only displays all? This article will take a brief examination of how sought after and celebrated at any rank within a servant leadership as leaders who “set aside two extremes—a leader is considered to be complementary servant leadership is in a military military organization. The central nature of this their egos and seek to place the needs of others either servant or toxic. While leadership theories environment. It concludes with positing that a model is a leader-follower dynamic where the first to accomplish the mission and improve are still being developed and taught within servant leadership mentality, though it cannot be needs of the subordinate outweigh those of the the organization” (Griffing, n.d.). While this professional military education, it appears that the wholly ingrained through education, is as equally leader and the organization. Robert Greenleaf definition is intuitive, it does not line up precisely pendulum is swinging towards the seemingly polar important of a leadership style as others and so believes that “the servant-leader is servant first” with Greenleaf’s aforementioned definition. extremes. Junior leaders do not see charismatic, must be considered. (Keith, 2020). For reflection, both academic and Additionally, this delineation presents elements transformational, or transactional leaders as practical experience have shown us that most of the fallacy known as a false dilemma or false effective but that the apex of a good leader is leaders view themselves as some combination of dichotomy. This fallacy is defined by when a “line defined in their ability to serve their subordinates. a servant leader or exhibiting these traits. In our of reasoning fails by limiting the options to two estimation, the most prominent leadership style when there are in fact more options to choose Image Above: Airmen listen as Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein speaks about current Air Force operations during an all-call is transactional in the military, but most leaders from” (Staff, 2017). True organizational dynamics at Shaw Air Force Base, May 30, 2017. During the all-call Airmen asked Goldfein questions about the current state of the Air Force and the tend to define themselves as servants. As this are very complex and situationally based. The direction the service is headed. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Christopher Maldonado)

22 | EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE MILITARY JOURNAL | ATLOA.ORG | ISSUE 152 ISSUE 152 | ATLOA.ORG | EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE MILITARY JOURNAL | 23 organizational needs of any unit will never be the who maintain humility, altruism, vision, trust, since no empirical research has been accomplished, same, and the above definition oversimplifies empowerment, and service are known to be it does raise the question: are we willing to sacrifice the causal relationship between organizational servants (Earnhardt, 2008). Of note, these our “bottom-line” as a military for wholesale success and subordinate disposition. It does not attributes are not exclusive and are also parts application and embodiment of this philosophy? In explain why troops in the most austere conditions of other leadership paradigms and models. short, can a servant, in the truest definition, also be a have such high morale. MSG Griffing argues that Further, Matthew P. Earnhardt accomplished a successful leader in the military? servitude, at its core, is placing aside one’s ego, limited qualitative study on military and servant where one may derive that the ego is what inhibits leadership. The results simply yielded that Famed civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. organizational success. It also assumes that if a subordinates preferred leaders that exhibit these noted that “he who is greatest among you shall be subordinate’s needs are first, then it will yield the characteristics (Earnhardt 2008). The study did not your servant” (1968). As a celebrated Christian pastor greatest result in mission accomplishment. Simply determine a link between leadership, the servant and Human Rights activist, it would make sense that put; (-Ego) + (+Subordinate Needs) = Improved leadership model, subordinate dynamics, and servitude and greatness would be fundamental Organizational & Mission Success. Of note, what successful mission execution. For consideration, to Dr. King’s approach to leading. We present this happens when the needs of the individual’s conflict the military and other organizations have co-opted Civil Rights icon because he is often referred to as a with the needs of the organization? Examples and created their own definition of what it means servant leader in the strictest sense. Dr. King believed include long and extended deployments, missed to be a servant leader. that “everybody can be great because everybody can serve” (ibid). He was able to articulate servitude It is more than just a holidays and significant dates, prolonged work “ hours, and members who can’t utilize earned leave One of the most significant sticking points in by believing in the fact that you do not need to single positive attribute due to additional duties. Also, what happens when defining a servant leader is what is a servant. be at the top of the pyramid to make a difference. a member’s religious and spiritual freedoms are in Greenleaf presents the belief that “the servant- Instead, everyone must serve, and through service that makes a good leader direct conflict with mission accomplishments? Of leader is servant first…. It begins with the natural and submission, you can find greatness. One could course, our goal as leaders is to ensure maximum feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then argue that Dr. King, Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, great but a myriad of mission success with a minimal impact on the conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead…. and Jesus of Nazareth were all historical examples different traits. force. The leader-first and the servant-first are two of servant leaders. Most servant leaders in history extreme types” (What Is Servant Leadership?, n.d.). have changed the world by exercising servitude to In his assertion, Greenleaf seems to define servant the masses. For most individuals in the military, the leadership with the repetitive use of “servant” notion of servant leadership as a primary style is not and also does not provide a concrete definition. easily identified with the likes of Sun Zu, General As such, how can one be a true servant without Patton, Napoleon, Alexander the Great, or General knowing what it means? Schwarzkopf. Instead, the image of a military leader The servant-leader can invoke visions of dominance, ruthlessness, defiant A servant is “a devoted and helpful follower or confidence, courage, and strength, but conversely shares power, puts supporter.” (Servant | Definition of Servant by not pure servitude. Oxford Dictionary on Lexico.Com Also Meaning the needs of others of Servant, n.d.). Embedded in the definition of a Again, we believe that successful military leaders are first and helps people servant is the concept of followership. A servant not servant leaders exclusively. There are essential by nature is subordinate to someone higher. characteristics in the servant leader concept, but develop and perform One could argue that this definition seeks to as a primary maxim of leading, it is not conducive place the subordinate as the greater being, and to that of a good or great military leader. If asked, as highly as possible. thus, the needs of the team outweigh that of no two individuals have the same definition of what the organization or its leadership. In theory, this makes a great military leader. Some would argue While Greenleaf and other academics do an sounds like an idealistic place to work. That said, that greatness is defined in a leader’s ability to take excellent job of outlining aspects of this concept, could a business stay profitable if the individual care of others. Someone else can see greatness as over the years the lack of academic agreement subordinate needs were first? Author Lisa Mooney whether a leader’s name is etched in stone or an echo on servant leadership has caused some issues noted that “the servant leader can become so throughout history. Regardless of your definition, true in narrowly defining this concept. Leadership immersed in introspection and encouraging success in the military is arguably a leader’s ability to theorists like Patterson have argued and tried employees to look inward for meaning to their accomplish the mission. Mission success is the social to expound upon Greenleaf’s definition by work that the company’s bottom line can suffer” contract that we make with the American people adding attributes of servant leadership. Leaders (Mooney, n.d.). While this is a theoretical claim upon our entrance into military service.

24 | EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE MILITARY JOURNAL | ATLOA.ORG | ISSUE 152 ISSUE 152 | ATLOA.ORG | EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE MILITARY JOURNAL | 25 If we follow Greenleaf’s belief that servant leadership, In closing, as you look at the strict definition of This article started with a quote from William “manifests itself in the care taken by the servant servant leadership, it is important to note that Arthur Ward, “The mediocre teacher tells. The first to make sure that other people’s highest the attributes of this type of leader are essential good teacher explains. The superior teacher priority needs are being served” (What Is Servant to be a successful leader in any organization. As demonstrates. The great teacher inspires” (Ward, Leadership?, n.d.), failure could be an option. In an individuals that have studied leadership and teach n.d.). The reason is fairly simple. At its core, the organization where so much is at stake, mission In an organization it, we believe that we create a binary concept art of leading is about inspiring others to first success should be the highest priority and, when regarding leadership theories in today’s academic accomplish the imaginable so that they may know possible, individual needs. Our goal is to be an where so much is environment. Either a leader is toxic or servant. the unimaginable can be accomplished as well. instrument of national power, the warrior clan of our at stake, mission The goal of understanding the art of leadership It is more than just a single positive attribute nation, and to protect and defend this nation and its is giving current and future leaders a menu of that makes a good leader great but a myriad of interest at all costs to include our lives if necessary. As success should be items to choose from to lead their organizations different traits. Can we inspire greatness in the an abstract concept, the American people care about successfully. It is encouraging to see concepts like military through servant leadership? The jury is still the military as individuals. Still, it is our combined the highest priority emotional intelligence being taught at the lowest out on this question. That said, we firmly believe strength and warrior ethos that they require and and, when possible, levels of leadership at Air University and in Airman that you cannot teach or train a person to be a arguably not our servitude outside of this concept. Leadership School. People are by far our greatest servant. You can teach that service is important, individual needs. resource, and as such, leaders also fall into this but servitude is an act of selfless dedication. As How does servant leadership compare to other category. We do a disservice to our Airmen and authors of this article, we believe that there is no leadership styles? Most of all, other leadership styles subordinate leaders by oversimplifying leadership one true effective leadership style. In short, much present in the military academic lexicon are focused and its complexity. The goal is to give leaders a like the Blanchard Situational Leadership model, it on utilizing a leadership style to lead subordinates swath of different styles that they can understand, is whatever style will best take care of the mission in the best way to accomplish the mission. Styles accept, embrace, or reject. and the people—locating and performing in that like transformational, transactional, and charismatic equilibrium of mission success and people’s needs leadership all focus on utilizing the style as means to met is as dynamic as leadership itself. an end. In contrast, servant leadership is a downward focus. The needs of the subordinates are first and more important than the greater organization (Earnhardt 2008). Additionally, it doesn’t address how Servant leadership this leadership style will lead to accomplishing the is not a leadership given mission. It directly contradicts the concept of service before self as a core value. Some academics style or technique argue that Greenleaf’s concept is not even a leadership style at all. as such. Rather it’s a way of behaving In the article, Servant Leadership: Putting Your ABOUT THE AUTHORS Team First, and Yourself Second, the author notes that you adopt over that, “servant leadership is not a leadership style or Lt Col Boswell’s career spans more than 19 years as a Logistics Readiness Officer. His current duties are the technique as such. Rather it’s a way of behaving that the longer term. Deputy of the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Air Force National Account Manager (AFNAM). In this capacity, you adopt over the longer term. It complements Lt Col Boswell is the focal point for strategic logistics and supply chain management for the Air Force through democratic leadership styles” (Servant Leadership It complements the lens of DLA. He can be contacted at [email protected]. - Leadership Tools and Models From MindTools. democratic Com, n.d.). Just because we label something as a Capt Neal Gupta’s career spans five years as a Logistics Readiness Officer, serving as Flight Commander five consecutive times in the 96th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Eglin AFB, and 731st Air Mobility Squadron, Osan leadership model doesn’t make it so. To be effective, leadership styles. AB. He is currently a Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) Recovery Team Officer-In-Charge, where a model must accomplish a stated goal through he plans, executes, and leads various Joint Field Activity missions with a team of multi-service members and a direct means. There is not enough empirical host nation nationals in global recovery operations to locate and excavate US service member’s remains whom research to suggest either for or against this fledgling are still unaccounted for from past conflicts. He can be contacted at [email protected]. leadership philosophy.

26 | EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE MILITARY JOURNAL | ATLOA.ORG | ISSUE 152 ISSUE 152 | ATLOA.ORG | EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE MILITARY JOURNAL | 27 References 1. Earnhardt, M. P. (2008). 5. King, M. L. (1968). The 9. Staff, T. B. S. (2017, January Testing a Servant Leadership Drum Maj Instinct. Sermon 31). 15 Logical Fallacies Theory Among United States Delivered at Ebenezer You Should Know Before Military Members. 1, 11. Baptist Church. https:// Getting Into a Debate. kinginstitute.stanford.edu/ TheBestSchools.Org. 2. Fehlhaber, K. (2017, king-papers/documents/ https://thebestschools. February 6). The drum-Maj-instinct-sermon- org/magazine/15-logical- Consequences of Illusory delivered-ebenezer-baptist- fallacies-know/ Superiority—Knowing church Neurons. Knowing Neurons: 10. Ward, W. (n.d.). The 77 A Creative Neuroscience 6. Mooney, L. (n.d.). Problems Best Quotes to Inspire Education Website by With the Servant Leadership Leadership in Hard Times. Young Neuroscientists. Model. Retrieved June Retrieved June 28, 2020, https://knowingneurons. 28, 2020, from https:// from https://medium.com/ com/2017/02/06/illusory- yourbusiness.azcentral. swlh/the-77-best-quotes-to- superiority/ com/problems-servant- inspire-leadership-in-hard- leadership-model-6795.html times-1ae7a3ff25e3 3. Griffing, A. (n.d.). Servant Leadership: Ten Military 7. Servant | Definition Figures Who Got it of Servant by Oxford 11. What is Servant Leadership? Right. Army University Dictionary on Lexico.com (n.d.). Greenleaf Center Press. Retrieved June 28, also meaning of Servant. for Servant Leadership. 2020, from https://www. (n.d.). Retrieved June 28, Retrieved June 28, 2020, armyupress.army.mil/ 2020, from https://www. from https://www.greenleaf. Taking Care of Your Airmen: Journals/NCO-Journal/ lexico.com/definition/ org/what-is-servant- Archives/2019/April/ servant leadership/ The Power of Experiences Servant-Leadership/ 8. Servant Leadership— By: 1Lt Annalise K. Blaylock 4. Keith, K. (2020). Definition Leadership Tools and of Servant Leadership Models From MindTools. [Definition of Servant com. (n.d.). Retrieved June Leadership]. To Serve First: 28, 2020, from https://www. The Servant Leadership mindtools.com/pages/ When I was a civilian, I was a master of craft—a Officer Training School cued the discussions of, Journey. https://toservefirst. article/servant-leadership. “subject matter expert” (SME)—and I was expected “take care of your Airmen.” What the heck did that com/definition-of-servant- htm to be. I was a 7th grade English teacher for 150 mean? When I was a teacher, the message was, leadership.html students, and I had a master’s degree. Super “teach your kids.” Ok, cool. I can do that, in lots qualified, right? I derived all sense of purpose of different ways: I can learn from other teachers, and achievement from how well I taught and how go to conferences, read all the books, give all the much my students learned. Then, I joined the lectures, and give the homework. I had options. United States Air Force as an Officer. Now I wear But “take care of your Airmen”? Where’s the one little silver bar, I’m called “LT”, not expected to formula? Could I go to a conference for that? Can I know much–and I don’t–but I try, really, really hard. find the answer in a book? No, no, and no. I’m no longer a master of craft, I am no longer a SME, and for the first time—like all silvery LTs—I’m Over the past 15 months, this has been the not confident with my sense of purpose and puzzle of my career. What’s my real purpose as achievement. an Officer? It’s not ticking items off an agenda or

Image Above: Senior Airmen Roja Burke and Elicana Mose, both 60th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle maintenance technicians, get closer look of a Tesla Model X during a tour of the Tesla Service Center in Berkeley, Calif., Nov. 12, 2020.The Airmen toured the service center to evaluate and improve existing maintenance procedures and learned about Tesla’s vehicle acceptance process and managing mobile repair; parts warehousing and data-basing; and the customer experience. (U.S. Air Force photo by Nicholas Pilch)

28 | EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE MILITARY JOURNAL | ATLOA.ORG | ISSUE 152 ISSUE 152 | ATLOA.ORG | EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE MILITARY JOURNAL | 29 28 | EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE MILITARY JOURNAL | ATLOA.ORG | ISSUE 152 getting through educational units. It’s tackling the adult, this was a purposeful immersive “field trip” idea of taking care of others…other adults…other for me. In a lot of ways, I have sympathy for my MXG professionals…other proficient military personnel. Officers who are required to have well-rounded and That’s a big task, and I’ve come to realize over time vetted knowledge of weapon systems, big picture that no one has it figured it out perfectly. strategic vision of what the squadron is tackling, establishing and maintaining relationships with their When I returned from Tech School, my Commander, But ‘take care of your personnel, dealing with administrative issues, and Maj Chad Wharton of the Logistics Readiness “ always analyzing data. We do the same in the LRS, but Squadron (LRS), decides I’m destined to be an Airmen’? Where’s the it’s different… yet connected. Having this experiential OIC for the Materiel Management (Supply) flight formula? Could I go to learning opportunity bound the two worlds together in the LRS. It’s the biggest flight in the squadron, and offered a way to see how the base has a lot of it’s especially complicated, and it does a lot for the a conference for that? symbiotic relationships between squadrons and Wing. No problem: “bloom where you’re planted”, groups, ebbing and flowing, very “one-team-one- right? I learned quickly that M-Flight comes with its Can I find the answer in a fight”, all the while being really complicated. own requirements. As an M-Flight OIC, I’m required to execute a “mini Base-Level-Broadening-Program book? No, no, and no. In a quick span of time, my perspective went from (BLBP).” What that meant, was that I was expected a narrow vision of LRS Supply, widened to Fairchild to integrate with the Maintenance Group (MXG) for MXG and LRS level, and then I got the tap to go a month, learn the tricks of their trade, learn about further. My commander injected a new task: go learn the interfacing and relationship between Supply and at the Supply Chain Operations Squadron (SCOS) at Maintenance, and learn how we (Supply) could work Scott Air Force Base, the HQ hub for KC-135 support. processes better. Scary. Essentially: go do a quick lap with the big dogs.

This was no small feat. This meant learning a new When seeking my connections, talking to leaders, culture and subject area language, complete with coordinating my trip, I had a nagging sense that I was acronyms, and blending that with my own Supply embarking on another fantastic “field trip,” upgrading “Isn’t that what “take language; understanding overarching programs and my experiential learning by going the next level of functions; understanding small but super important authority and sealing my capstone of knowledge of care of your people” sections that make or break timelines; and ever Supply service to Maintenance… but going alone is all about? Creating asking: “what can Supply do, or do better, to serve didn’t seem to offer due diligence. After all, I am you?” “I learned a lot and not the SME; I don’t work the details of functions opportunities to learn, I didn’t attend a and programs, but I help execute and I manage I learned a lot. I learned a lot and I didn’t attend a processes. Why not bring those SMEs who might network, feel inspired conference, use a formula, or read a how-to-book. conference, use a immediately benefit from such an experience? How and re-energized, I had an experience—it was experiential learning. could I help someone else get influential experiential More important than putting words or pictures to formula, or read a learning? purposeful, and meaning, I was hands-on and encouraged to do things while I was there—and everyone was excited how-to-book. I had The proposal I made included two additional thoughtful about how to put me through the rigors of their tasks. I stuck personnel to my travel/tour itinerary. These were two my head inside a fuel cell, toured the inside a KC-135 an experience—it was individuals at cross-road ranks (considering staying in, this could help your while in ISO, helped conduct pre-flight inspections, experiential learning. considering getting out), NCOICs of their respective immediate work center? directed aircraft during taxiing, drove around the sections of Supply, who would ultimately benefit from flightline with AGE and inspected generators, went putting names-to-faces at AMC-level, bring field-level to meetings with leaders of all ranks, listened to the problems up for resolution, and see the enterprise- barkings of the Maintenance Operations Center as level perspective. I was approved to bring Technical they directed actions across the flightline… Sergeants Nahum Miramontes of Supply’s Aircraft Parts Store and Jenda English of Individual Protective School kids learn about the world through stories, Equipment Element. pictures, and hands-on field trips. As a professional

30 | EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE MILITARY JOURNAL | ATLOA.ORG | ISSUE 152 ISSUE 152 | ATLOA.ORG | EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE MILITARY JOURNAL | 31 As we progressed through the tour, we shook following my after-action reports and debriefings, hands, and expressed excitement for finally I know I have a scope of tangible experience that meeting those whom we’d been calling to work can’t be duplicated, and I will carry this breadth of through field-level problems. I stood back and exposure with me as my career progresses–and it’ll watched the relationships solidify, watched only grow. rapport develop, and it was really satisfying. Driving our rental back to the Scott Inn, both I’ve been through the growing pains of being a Sergeants Miramontes and English were buzzing first-term Airman. To all young Airmen, I know what with enthusiasm, gratitude, and awe for what we it feels like. It can be a struggle to find a sense of were seeing. We bantered about how skewed our purpose, feel useful, valuable, and worth it. If you perceptions and imaginations were about higher- get through enough time, it all comes naturally headquarters SCOS. The final sentiment shared and soon enough you’ll start to feel like people are was the most humbling: both Sergeants said, “I taking care of you. know I needed to see this. This definitely opened I am an Airman, and in one important way, my my perspective about the Air Force, and I feel leadership took care of me. I was sent on a energized by that… but… I think this is the type of learning adventure that will undoubtedly feed my experience some of our Staff Sergeants need to career and career-knowledge fluency. Then, in see and experience. After all, they’re even more ‘in the same way, I took care of my Airmen. I brought the weeds’ than we are, and this is pure networking two Technical Sergeants with me to learn, solve and would help them really understand their role problems, and see a bigger enterprise picture, and purpose at base-level.” for which they returned energized and hopeful Isn’t that what “take care of your people” is all for the remainder of their careers. “Taking care of about? Creating opportunities to learn, network, your Airmen” has a lot of meanings–avenues for feel inspired and re-energized, purposeful, action–but I’m a huge advocate for experiential and thoughtful about how this could help your learning. It can really solidify one’s sense of and immediate work center? I can’t tell you what purpose, and that’s important in our Air Force for retention. Commanders: spend the money. Send Armed Tested it felt like to see the domino effect. I learned a lot about how to help Supply better serve your Airmen away to see different levels of the Maintenance and other tenant units on Fairchild. Air Force. Grow their knowledge and language I facilitated an opportunity for my Sergeants to from experiences. Posture your Airmen for success MTS-3060ATM SmartCan Gen 2 make connections, broaden their perspective, by assuming roles of responsibility to use those newfound skills and knowledge sets. This is an Air ARL AAP Universal O-Level Armament Tester resolve issues through collaboration, and realize Advanced Rail Launcher Air-to-Air Pylon for Smart & Legacy Systems there are opportunities to develop themselves and Force of incredible technology and a worldwide their Airmen beyond standard on-the-job training, reach and our Airmen enable that churn. Give position descriptions, Air Force Instructions them experiential learning to make them the best Manuals, conferences, and comparative calls to they can be. Think big, think out-of-the box. Take other bases. On the back-end of this experience, care of your Airmen. MT1888 Series MTS-235 Eye-Safe Laser F-35 Alternate Mission AGP Weapons Bay Adapters Target Simulator Equipment Test Set Air-to-Ground Pylon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

1Lt Annalise K. Blaylock left her career as a K-12 and collegiate educator when she felt called to serve. She commissioned in 2018 and is the current Assistant Installation Deployment Officer for Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. She can be reached at [email protected].

www.marvingroup.com

32 | EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE MILITARY JOURNAL | ATLOA.ORG | ISSUE 152 ISSUE 152 | ATLOA.ORG | EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE MILITARY JOURNAL | 33 The 45th Logistics Readiness Squadron (LRS) and DoD funding are both utilized and must provides logistics support to a variety of mission remain audit-accountable. Therefore, effective partners at Patrick AFB to include Task Force 45. accountability required detailed equipment Installation level logistics support played a key role records to identify ownership between these to ensure a rapid recovery posture for the Crew federal agencies. In addition to supply equipment, Dragon mission. the 45 LRS Vehicle Maintenance team advocated for the establishment of vehicle authorizations to facilitate operations between Patrick AFB and Cape Canaveral AFS. An additional complexity was an evolving functional chain-of-command. On 20 December 2019, the United States Space Force was established creating the sixth branch of the Department of Defense4. The Airmen at Patrick AFB remained in the Air Force, however the initial transition resulted in Air Force Space Command immediately transitioning from a Major Command to a service component staff. Det 3 continued to execute a Combatant Command mission with support from a transitioning service. Despite a transitioning organizational command, logistics support was required to ensure mission success. Logistics support to Det 3 has been an ongoing effort for over five years. Upon award of the Det 3’s mission through Task Force 45 is to provide Commercial Crew Program contract to Boeing worldwide rescue coverage for recovery of NASA Human Space Flight: and SpaceX, Det 3 sourced a variety of capsule astronauts. To accomplish this mission, aircraft and rescue specific equipment to re-establish and rescue personnel are staged at Patrick AFB, A Unique Logistics Mission in this mission capability. The 45 LRS Material Joint Base (JB) Charleston, and JB Pearl Harbor- Management Customer Support Team created Hickam to rapidly respond anywhere the capsule the United States Space Force supply and equipment accounts that provide might land. For the latest mission, all tasked forces By: Lt Col Christopher Jacobson direct mission logistical support while maintaining arrived at Patrick AFB for equipment familiarization Financial Improvement Audit Readiness then forward deployed to JB Charleston, JB accountability. This was not an easy task as this Hickam, or remained at Patrick AFB. On 30 May 2020, two astronauts were transported accomplished through a partnership between the mission is a shared partnership in which NASA to the International Space Station via the SpaceX United States government and commercial launch Crew Dragon spacecraft, named Endeavour, providers who deliver assets into orbit. The 2017 ushering in a new era of human space flight. National Security Strategy prioritized access to SpaceX’s Demo Mission 2 was the first crewed space through our commercial launch providers launch from the United States since the end of the and extended national security protections.2 National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s The return to American human space flight is a (NASA) space shuttle program in 2011. Not only partnership between NASA and two commercial was this the first crewed flight from the United companies: SpaceX and Boeing.3 In the tradition States in nearly a decade, it was the very first of the previous space shuttle program, the commercially operated human space flight Department of Defense (DoD) was tasked to mission taking astronauts to low earth orbit.1 provide rapid recovery of astronauts in the event The return of human space flight is part of the of a global emergency. The 45th Operations Group national security initiative to maintain space Detachment 3 (Det 3) reported through the newly superiority, with safe reliable access to the designated Task Force 45, located at Patrick AFB, International Space Station and eventually to to execute the rescue mission for Commander, deep space exploration. Space superiority is now Combined Forces Space Component Command.

34 | EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE MILITARY JOURNAL | ATLOA.ORG | ISSUE 152 ISSUE 152 | ATLOA.ORG | EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE MILITARY JOURNAL | 35 As logisticians, the operational planning was As the mission approached, the Deployment The 45 LRS Air Terminal partnered with the 920th the equivalent to a Joint Reception Staging and and Distribution Flight shouldered the burden Rescue Wing Aerial Rigging Team to provide Onward Integration (RSOI) movement scenario. of executing logistics movement for this mission. a joint inspection to validate safety of flight. 1LT Jared Bjork was assigned as the LRS liaison This included reception and transportation Finally, the Small Air Terminal with the assistance to Det 3. As a Logistics Readiness Officer (LRO), of the incoming personnel and equipment of Airmen across the LRS loaded the aircraft to 1LT Bjork was uniquely qualified to coordinate all from the four units that were tasked to deploy enable alert posture prior to the launch of the facets of logistics support from the squadron. All in support of the operation. Additionally, the Crew Dragon mission. “The return of human space core competencies of the LRS provided support to rescue equipment is stored at Cape Carnival this RSOI movement. Rental vehicles were sourced AFS where training was conducted three weeks The logistics support plan that was characterized flight is part of the national and delivered through the Vehicle Maintenance prior to the launch. However, aircraft operations as RSOI was also similar to what a Contingency security initiative to maintain Flight. The Material Management Flight were tasked to operate out of the airfield at Response Unit would execute to enable alert guaranteed supply accounts were available to Patrick AFB. Therefore, the rescue equipment; posture and rapid response to an emergency. Lt space superiority, with source needed aircraft parts; and unique to the 45 including eight Combat Rubber Raiding Crafts, Col Michael Thompson, Det 3 Commander, lauded LRS, the Munitions Team embedded into Material six Advanced Rescue Craft Jet Skis, two Rigged the 45 LRS support saying, “The mission was made safe reliable access to the Management, also helped coordinate a last Alternate Method Boats, six Internal Aircraft/ possible due to logistics support throughout our International Space Station minute requisition for M-295 Para-Rescue flares. Helicopter Slingable-Container Units 90s, and Detachment’s journey and rapid recovery of NASA The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) contracted 18 463L pallets, were transported to Patrick AFB astronauts would not be possible without their and eventually to deep Petroleum, Oil, & Lubricants (POL) prioritized via ground transportation during a limited time support.” Personally, I could not be more proud fuel requests for the alert aircraft and provided window, between training and aircraft alert. The of the 45 LRS. The 45 LRS’s motto is “Promptus space exploration. Hot-Pit refueling for HH-60 aircraft to maintain Installation Deployment Readiness Cell compiled et Paratus Doctorum” meaning ready and willing alert posture during launch activities. The LRS’s the equipment data and created Unit Type Codes professionals, the team proved worthy of the Latin Deployment and Distribution Flight ultimately had (UTCs) and load plans that safeguarded in-transit words on our squadron patch with this herculean the largest burden. visibility and an effective aircraft configuration. logistical effort. This was also a vital training opportunity for 1LT Bjork. As the project officer for an operation that encompassed all facets of LRS support, he was able to apply LRO’s Core Competencies in a real world operation that happened to be a historic moment for our nation. That is what makes our profession an incredible opportunity. Every DoD mission requires logistics. As LROs, we have an opportunity to help coordinate that effort and make a lasting impact on behalf of our nation.

The SpaceX Crew Dragon mission is only the start of the new era of Human Space Flight. The first launch proved functionality of the Falcon 9 and Crew Dragon spacecraft, Endeavour. NASA’s contract with SpaceX to provide six human space flight missions. Endeavour will be refurbished and reused for SpaceX Crew-2 mission, with a tentative launch date of 20 March 2021.5 With additional commercial launch providers entering the marketspace, Det 3 is prepared to provide rescue support for routine human space flight operations.

Looking forward as the first mission has successfully executed, the 45 LRS is compiling

36 | EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE MILITARY JOURNAL | ATLOA.ORG | ISSUE 152 ISSUE 152 | ATLOA.ORG | EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE MILITARY JOURNAL | 37 our lessons learned to capture how support to this mission will be optimized. Future support is ABOUT THE AUTHOR growing as these lessons learned are identified and the team transitions to “LRS 2.0” to maximize Lt Col Jacobson is a career Logistics our logistical support. For example, the 45 LRS Readiness Officer and is currently the Logistics Planners are working with United States commander of the 45th Logistics Readiness Space Force (USSF) to establish a new UTC Squadron. He was commissioned in 2005 specifically suited to support this capability. As from the University of New Mexico and additional requirements are assessed, to include has a Master’s Degree in Business and new equipment and vehicles, the LRS team will Transportation Management and a second continue to assist with this process to maintain Master’s Degree through Air Command accurate accountability. Ultimately, Det 3 will and Staff College in the Multi-Domain Operational Strategist concentration. remain a mission partner and key customer of the During his 15 year career he has served 45LRS with a unique mission requiring daily world- in various assignments to include AMC, class logistics support. The men and women of the PACAF, USAFE, and the HAF staff. LRS are embracing this new mission and looking forward to a future supporting unique mission sets within the USSF.

The 45 LRS’s motto is “Promptus et Paratus Doctorum” meaning ready and willing professionals, the team proved worthy of the Latin words on our squadron patch with this herculean logistical effort.

References

1. McFall, Johnsen (2020, 27 3. Chow, Denise (2020, 26 5. Wall, Mike (2020, 31 May), May), SpaceX is set to launch May), SpaceX’s launch With SpaceX’s first astronaut astronauts on Wednesday. heralds a new era of human launch, a new era of human Here’s how Elon Musk’s spaceflight, retrieved from spaceflight has dawned, company became NASA’s NBC News, https://www. retrieved from Space.com, best shot at resurrecting nbcnews.com/science/ https://www.space.com/ American spaceflight. space/spacex-s-launch- spacex-astronaut-launch- Retrieved from Business tomorrow-heralds-new-era- new-spaceflight-era.html Insider, https://www. human-spaceflight-n1214986 and Wikipedia, https:// businessinsider.com/spacex- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crew_ boeing-nasa-commercial- 4. United States Space Force, Dragon_Demo-2 crew-program-launch- FACT SHEET, retrieved from astronauts-2020-1 Official United States Space Force website, https://www. 2. National Security Strategy spaceforce.mil/About-Us/ (2007) Fact-Sheet

38 | EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE MILITARY JOURNAL | ATLOA.ORG | ISSUE 152 ISSUE 152 | ATLOA.ORG | EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE MILITARY JOURNAL | 39 non-punitive solutions for the risks identified. I propose the Air Force should adopt its own uniquely tailored non-punitive reporting program for the aircraft maintenance community, similar to the airline industry. These improvements will better utilize human resources, decrease coercive work culture, and amass safety data for trends to “The Just Culture’s belief is be used across the maintenance organization, thus ensuring a safer, more efficient work environment. that a fair and just culture will improve the company’s safety and empower employees, so they are more likely to participate significantly in safety efforts without fear of reprisal.

Dare to Change: Safety managed by the corporate Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP). ASAP is a non-punitive voluntary and Maintenance Culture Introduction reporting program in which the airlines team up By: Capt Kori Johnson We are all fallible humans, so why can’t Airmen with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to make mistakes and learn from them without encourage self-reporting to gather critical safety career-ending repercussions? What type of safety data to identify and mitigate company-wide safety culture do we in the maintenance community issues thus enhancing safety overall. Over the SUMMARY: promote? The safety practices adopted in years the FAA and the commercial airline industry have made unprecedented advances in creating The United States Air Force is devoting significant belief is that a fair and just culture will improve commercial airlines undoubtedly hold the key to multiple safety platforms to achieve a consistently efforts toward developing the flightline of the the company’s safety and empower employees, a successful future for the aircraft maintenance successful safety community. The Air Force would future. This future environment and workplace will so they are more likely to participate significantly community. When I began my fellowship at benefit from establishing or enhancing some of its require all aspects of aircraft maintenance to be in safety efforts without fear of reprisal. The United Airlines, I quickly noticed a difference existing safety programs to better align with the refined or modified. One practice I believe should airline industry uses Just Culture to address all between the way the airline and the Air Force industry’s highly effective ones. be improved is the means in which maintenance safety issues and concerns. A Just Culture versus approach safety practices. The military tends manages safety, cultivates an organizational an overly punitive culture, similar to the safety to be unforgiving to our maintainers who make FAA & Industry’s Safety Collaboration culture, and utilizes safety data. This modified culture in the military, can have four Maj benefits; mistakes on the flightline. Our community practice can be accomplished by restructuring the increased safety reporting for across enterprise forgets that humans do not have the reliability Safety is of the greatest importance for the pre-established Airman Safety Action Program’s use, trust-building within the maintenance or precision of a computer. We swiftly issue out commercial airline industry and the FAA. reporting function and combining the commercial community, longer retention, and mitigation of corrective measures or punishment to violators Throughout the history of aviation safety, it’s airline industry’s safety platform. Along with emerging risks. Each airline company has a safety who disobey our Air Force Instructions (AFI) and standards have evolved. The FAA has redefined its the entire airline industry, United Airlines has team dedicated to receiving non-punitive self- Technical Orders (TO). In contrast, United Airlines approach to safety oversight and regulatory role developed a safety program and strategy around authored safety reports. The team determines how uses the framework of Just Culture to ensure a in aviation, which is mainly identifying risks and the concept of Just Culture. The Just Culture’s to address the technicians’ mistakes or provides strong balance between the individual being held responding to them. Collaborative data sharing accountable for their actions and the policies of between the FAA and the commercial airlines the organization and its culture. This balance is has proven to be the best way to have a safety Image Above: Senior Airman Nelson Chias-Ramos prepares an F-15 Strike Eagle for a morning sortie at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., while performing final pre-flight checks and pulling final safety pins, June 2, 2017. (U.S. Air National Guard photo/ Master Sgt. John Hughel)

40 | EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE MILITARY JOURNAL | ATLOA.ORG | ISSUE 152 ISSUE 152 | ATLOA.ORG | EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE MILITARY JOURNAL | 41 culture that detects and addresses problems government and industry, including voluntarily nation’s safety record, including improvements to TSAP Example: The Wrong Tire Installed before accidents can transpire. This successful provided safety data, to detect emerging training, operational, and maintenance procedures Narrative: A pilot informed maintenance of an oversight and sharing processes consist of many risks, monitor known risks, and evaluate the (Fact Sheet, 2020). incorrect tire installed on an aircraft during his programs, but for the purposes of this paper I effectiveness of mitigations (Fact Sheet, 2020). preflight walk around. A log page was created and intend to highlight, Commercial Aviation Safety The participants range across airlines, corporate Technical Operations Safety Action Program the issue was rectified soon after. The technician Team (CAST), Aviation Safety Information Analysis business operators, universities, manufacturers, All ASAPs have reports that are voluntarily was notified the next day that the wrong tire had and Sharing (ASIAS), and voluntary reporting and overhaul organizations. ASIAS pioneered submitted to the appropriate programs depending been installed on the aircraft. After researching programs. an approach to identify what caused terrain on where the report filer is employed. There are the cause of his error the technician discovered avoidance warnings system (TAWS) to alert when several different divisions of the safety action that the aircraft was a 737-700/800 with carbon the aircraft was not at risk. Based on these factors, programs; Flight Safety Action Program (FSAP), brakes and mistakenly installed a wheel and tire CAST developed two safety enhancements to In-Flight Safety Action Program (ISAP), Dispatch assembly for a 737-900 with carbon brakes. The reduce TAWS nuisance alerts, resulting in a drop in Safety Action Program (DSAP), Ground Safety technician filed a TSAP to report the incident reported nuisance alerts (Fact Sheet, 2020). This is Action Team (GSAP) and finally, for maintenance (TSAP, 2020). a great example of safety sharing and taking action community, the Technical Operations Safety The Air Force would to mitigate issues. This type of information sharing Action Program (TSAP). They are designed to ERC Findings: All spare tires should be properly is not being utilized as much in the Air Force’s be voluntary, accessible, and non-punitive. Each etched, have an accurate color dust cover, benefit from establishing aircraft maintenance community, especially at program is comprised of Event Review Committees and be located in the correct section for the or enhancing some the base level. Squadrons do not receive analysis (ERCs) who review the submitted reports. corresponding aircraft. The 737-700/800/900 reports on enterprise-wide safety failures or “near United Airlines ERC is a partnership between carbon tires were incorrectly labeled on the wall of its existing safety misses”. United Airlines, the International Brotherhood confusing and misleading the technicians. In of Teamsters (IBT), and the Federal Aviation addition, the dust covers had mismatched colors programs to better align Administration (FAA). The reports are categorized on some of the tires. All the tires located in this with the industry’s highly as Event-Driven or Hazard. Event-Driven reports area had yellow dust covers, but the correct color describe situations where an employee self cover for the 900’s are green. The terminal at that effective ones. identifies a maintenance concern witnessed or station required a restructuring of the tire storage performed by the technician themselves (for area. United Airlines has 790 aircraft with over example, if the technician installs an incorrect part, 20 different variants. The Majority of the time the diverse assortment of tires is all stored in the same CAST as defined by the FAA is an evolution causes damage, miss reads guidance, or installs a part backward). A Hazard report describes a location. The technician admitted that he should beyond the traditional approach of examining have triple checked for the correct tire and took accident data to a proactive approach that focuses situation where an employee identifies a potential safety concern. During their reviews the ERC full responsibility. The ERC found that the company on detecting risk and implementing mitigation failed to provide its workers with a storage area strategies before accidents or serious incidents gathers root cause analysis for all the safety concerns addressed in the TSAP reports. They with correct identification of parts and tools. No occur. Voluntary reporting programs are an formal punishment was issued to the technician. important data source for CAST. CAST uses the The last and most important safety initiatives that determine whether the report is viable or should be “accepted” barring any Maj negative findings Instead, their filing the TSAP relieved a Maj unseen data acquired to identify risks and the airlines the FAA and commercial airlines have championed issue at the station. voluntarily implement mitigations based on the together are the voluntary reporting programs. that would require punitive action (e.g. possible criminal activity, intentional falsification, substance strategies CAST develops. As a result, the fatality The FAA created the voluntary reporting program Air Force Example: Turkey Feathers risk for commercial aviation in the United States fell in the late 1990s. It was designed to be non- abuse, controlled substances, and alcohol). The 83 percent from 1998 to 2008 (Fact, 2020). CAST punitive and ensure aviation operators provide team votes on the corrective actions for each Narrative: A fighter aircraft was undergoing a aims to reduce the U.S. commercial fatality risk by critical safety information from an accident, report and informs the author of the filed TSAP the phase and engine inspection. The maintainers another 50 percent between 2010 and 2025. Data mishap, or mistake without fear of reprisal (FAA, decided resolution. If the report is rejected by the disconnected the turkey feathers (engine exhaust sharing across the aviation community is integral 2020). Also, these reports provide critical safety team, the subsequential punishment is issued by variable control nozzles) for ease of access to in protecting the airspace and ensuring customer information into many different safety programs, the FAA or company depending on the severity inspection areas. When they ceased maintenance safety. The ASIAS serves as a vital asset for aviation with a Maj program being the ASAP. Over the of the incident. The punishment could range from at the end of their shift, they documented the professionals (Fact Sheet, 2020). years the ASAP has evolved to include cabin crew, paperwork to employee termination. exhaust nozzle flaps were disconnected in dispatchers, technical operations mechanics, air accordance with the proper guidance. The next The ASIAS is a safety program for sharing data traffic controllers, and others. These voluntary day, a crew was performing hydraulic bleed and and information. The data collected is drawn from reports have significantly contributed to the leak operations check as required by phase work

42 | EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE MILITARY JOURNAL | ATLOA.ORG | ISSUE 152 ISSUE 152 | ATLOA.ORG | EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE MILITARY JOURNAL | 43 Number of Reports Filed by Program I asked Mr. Tracey MacCorkell, Teamster representative DSAP FSAP GSAP ISAP TSAP to the ERC, about his thoughts on United Airline’s old and new way of safety reporting over the years:

When I started there were two separate programs for technicians at United, MSAP for legacy United and ASAP for legacy Continental. Bringing the two Voluntary reports programs together boosted the reporting numbers just from combining the two programs. But the have significantly biggest jump in reporting numbers came from the education of the program to techs, supervisors, contributed to Technical Operations Maintenance Control, and the nation’s safety all other personnel involved with TechOps. Also advertising the program with station visits and more record, including visibility on the Flying Together website helped. Senior leadership buying into and supporting the improvements to Figure 1: Number of ASAP Reports Filed by Program and Year program also played a big role. The transition made training, operational, the airline safer because of the increase in the number of reports… More data, more information, and maintenance cards. There were five members on this crew, and Subsequently, the Air Force lost vital safety less threat equals more honesty. the highest-ranking was a staff sergeant. Upon information that could have been shared amongst procedures. opening the aircraft’s speed brakes, they struck other bases. Currently, the Air Force’s way to report safety concerns the turkey feathers, causing about $28,000 in is to download the Airman Safety App and press the damage. They immediately ceased maintenance Industry vs Air Force Reporting Airman Safety Action Report. The filer will input a and continued with appropriate notification steps. United Airlines has made great strides towards description of the event, time, place, report on any improving the company’s ASAP programs over injuries, which level should take action on the report Investigation findings from official report: The the years. Figure 1 (above) shows the increasing (base or MAJCOM), and a whole list of disorganized disconnected flaps allow for slack and movement, information. After submitting the report, the information which may have expanded during bleed and leak upward trend for three of the five ASAPs from 2017. When ASAP first started, the company began with goes to the local safety office, then the ASAP Program checks. The members may not have properly Manager at the Air Force Safety Center reviews it. The performed safe-for-maintenance/hydraulic the same approach to mishaps and accidents as the Air Force. Civil Aviation learned that it is not the information gets compiled to use for trends. Why is procedures, in particular verifying that the flight the information not being disseminated around the Air surfaces are cleared of any obstructions. Turkey most beneficial approach to make the company safer and protect the employee. It’s important Force? Is the data being properly utilized? Who has feathers are very unstable and have a wider range access to it? Can anyone of any rank study the trends? of motion while disconnected and likely would to understand that the person who engages in reckless behavior does not intend to cause harm Why are there not more leaders asking about data from have moved during operations. Additionally, while Wing Safety? it is common to overlap 800-hour inspections or damage (Peri, 2020). United Airlines’ employees are not wary about coming forward and filing with phase, normally hydraulic bleed and leak Pioneering a New Path checks are performed first and engine work safety reports. They know they will be protected is done later, so this is an uncommon scenario because of programs like TSAP. “The lack of attention to human factors will and very rare mishap. As a result of a culture of show in the lack of efficiency in the organization.” Many factors affect human performance. There fear within the squadron, the members involved are 12 human relation principles called “The Dirty refused to give testimony to squadron leadership, —Ric Peri, Aircraft Electronics Association Vice Dozen”: Lack of Communication, Complacency, President of Government & Industry Affairs. instead deciding to speak to the Area Defense Lack of Knowledge, Distractions, Lack of Counsel (ADC). Per the report, the members Teamwork, Fatigue, Lack of Resources, Pressure, How does the USAF promote accountability and involved were all given paperwork without official Lack of Assertiveness, Stress, Lack of Awareness, communication with a non-punitive learning system testimonies from them. They were told that if they and Norms (Travis, 2018). Human factors rely on approach while still maintaining our values? How do were innocent they should provide rebuttals. both the individual as well as the organization we change the maintenance logic process and culture? This coercive environment put a divide between implementing a robust management system to Throughout my tenure as an Aircraft Maintenance officer squadron leadership and frontline workers. support human performance (Peri, 2020). I have seen the best and brightest of our community

44 | EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE MILITARY JOURNAL | ATLOA.ORG | ISSUE 152 ISSUE 152 | ATLOA.ORG | EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE MILITARY JOURNAL | 45 come and go. I have witnessed extremely dedicated I propose creating a Maintenance Safety Action to do with culture more so than ‘data’. I think workers crumble under the pressure of the physical Program (MSAP) for the aircraft maintenance TSAP can coexist along with the more formal and emotional demand that aircraft maintenance community that mirrors the commercial aspects of the Air Force chain of command and requires. Some inevitably leave the Air Force due to airlines TSAP and ERC. The safety teams procedures. The key to making that happen is the aforementioned pressures. As we march towards would be embedded within each Maintenance everything needs to be taken on a case by case the flightline of the future, there is a better path for Group, comprised of one Officer, one basis. A lot of times when maintainers make aircraft maintenance that doesn’t jeopardize the unique It’s important to Senior Noncommissioned Officer, and three mistakes, it can be due to things that are other mission and also fosters a better environment for the understand that the Noncommissioned Officers, and be overseen than “not following the TO”: poor turnovers, maintainers. by the Maintenance Group Deputy Commander. lack of manpower, overzealous production person who engages Airmen from all across the group could file safety superintendents, or expeditors mismanaging The corporate airline community dared to change their reports. These reports would be submitted to the work. It’s important to drill down to root cause. mindset and safety protocols by indoctrinating TSAP in reckless behavior MSAP team to discuss non-punitive mitigations for And here is the truth, the easy way out for and various other ASAP programs with successful does not intend to the individual or correction to base- or wing-level anybody in Air Force leadership is to administer results. Since the implementation of this revamped policy, AFI, TO, etc. Each team would review its a LOC, LOR, etc…. These things are important safety program, overall safety has improved for the cause harm or damage sister squadrons’ reports, and the findings would and have their time and place, but sometimes corporation. The number of TSAPs has been trending be reported back to the squadron that originated you are not fixing the actual problem and positively year after year. The number of reports from (Peri, 2020). United the report. All reports would be sent to the Air underlying root causes. 2019 has increased by 14% from the previous year. Force Safety Center for assembly of data to identify Incidents are trending downward with the increased Airlines’ employees trends. Those trends would be disseminated to all Cheryl Beineke, former Air Force Lieutenant number of reports. Over the years employees have are not wary about the MAJCOMs to act upon if the data was showing Colonel and pilot, now FAA and ERC member, said learned that the program is there to help them—not end significant negative trends. The data gathered this when asked about how to maintain good order their careers. coming forward and from each base could help predict and prevent and disciple if adapting this program: The airline community has benefited from this revamped filing safety reports. Air Force-wide safety issues. Support at all levels People who receive administrative/disciplinary safety reporting technique. First, the company had of leadership is essential for this new approach to action for how they follow TOs are typically to overcome severity bias or outcome bias, which is They know they will be succeed, to include necessary support at the HAF struggling in other areas. Employees need to punishing or disciplining a person who made a human level. Furthermore, we must teach the program be able to report hazards and/or the inability to error or engaged in an at-risk behavior simply because protected because of concurrently at both officer and enlisted technical follow procedures without fear of retribution. there was a severe outcome. If we have 30 people acting programs like TSAP. schools so all ranks of people are aware of the In the same vein, junior enlisted members incorrectly and the first individual who gets “caught” program and know how to utilize it. need to be able to report hazards or difficulty receives the punishment, the individual bearing personal in correctly following procedures without fear responsibility for a faulty process does not keep the Thoughts from Former Air Force of retribution because their lives may depend Professionals others from continuing that pattern of behavior. The on it. Good root cause analysis goes beyond airline focuses on the correction of poor processes and I interviewed several prior Air Force aircraft “the employee did not follow procedure” as works with engineers to correct job cards rather than maintenance and operations members who now to why the employee did not/could not follow focusing on the individual who brought attention to the work for United Airlines. I asked them questions procedure. As a leader you need to ask yourself error. Second, the airline focuses on properly sharing about creating a TSAP program in the Air Force. whether you have given all the people you and communicating expectations and values to the Mr. Mike Hay, former Production Superintendent, supervise all the tools and training they need to technicians. The airline has discovered that a punitive now United Safety, responded with this: be successful, even the ones who struggle to be program will have fewer people willing to participate in successful. Is the objective to enhance running It would be a very good thing for the safety and more people willing to deviate to circumvent a safe operation or getting rid of the “bad” maintenance community to embrace this style potential punishment. Just because we in the Air Force employees? Allowing immunity will most likely of program. Yes, I know, “Integrity first,” but maintenance community preach integrity doesn’t get better data. The “bad” employees usually sometimes folks may not be as forthcoming mean it is happening. Correcting an individual with the provide other opportunities for administrative in their initial answers because of Article paperwork does not confront the safety issues at its core. action. 15’s, LORs, etc…. TSAP, Line Operations This approach will not aid in modifying any systemic Safety Assessments, and a lot of these Safety issues. It will only perpetuate the problem rather than To foster a truly transparent maintenance Management System style programs are a lot solving it. community, we need extensive leadership buy-

46 | EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE MILITARY JOURNAL | ATLOA.ORG | ISSUE 152 ISSUE 152 | ATLOA.ORG | EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE MILITARY JOURNAL | 47 in. This cannot be used as a means to expose get the opportunity to manage a possible safety Special Thanks to: and penalize Airmen who use the non-punitive risk within their organizations or within unit program as intended. Nor is the program intended policies and procedures.” Rob West Douglas Neufelt for Airmen to abuse for their benefit. Will there Matt Bagley Keith Ellis be bad actors on both sides? Absolutely, but Conclusion Jim Hagen John Wiitala Aurelia Pearson Tom Doxey as more Airmen build trust with the system, the “Did you CHOOSE Aircraft Maintenance!?” This Paul Dodge Garrett West more our overly-punishing community will change is a question I have been asked countless times Tracy Mac Corkell Bryant Parker for the better. Mr. Bob Gardner, a former Senior by military colleagues and troops alike, always Mike Hay Rusneisha Taylor Noncommissioned Air Force maintainer now looking at me with pity in their eyes as if I did Bob Gardner Pramod Thomas working for United Airlines as a Maintenance something wrong in my life to get assigned to the Cheryl Beieneke Joseph Foley Manager, discussed with me his thoughts on maintenance community. It is true we are hard on Erik Kuhlmann the Air Force and implementation of the TSAP our people and demand more from them than any David Loska program in our maintenance community: of their peers. Thus, we cannot afford to lose more Implementation of any program like TSAP people due to the current state of our culture. We are not seeing a long tenure of our hardest will help solve safety concerns and reduce For more information on this subject by a superb working troops; they either cross-train or get out of deviations from regulatory guidance. This maintenance professional please read: program is a formalized approach to managing the military completely. This applies to both officer safety risks throughout organizational and enlisted maintainers. This program might Leveraging Integrity and Trust: structures, policies, and procedures. The TSAP be a great start to creating a better maintenance A Call for Values-Based Compliance in U.S. Air is designed to foster a voluntary, cooperative community for our future Airmen and their families. Force Aircraft Maintenance environment for disclosure of any violations. Using the framework of a Just Culture could better In my experience with the Air Force as a utilize our manpower, ensure a safer more efficient By Capt Dave Loska maintenance leader, if we had implemented work environment, amass safety data for trends Exceptional Release Military Journal a program like TSAP I think we would have to be utilized across maintenance enterprise, and Issue 149 / Atloa.org created a stronger environment of self- decrease coercive work culture. The Air Force disclosure. Currently, under the guidance of can find a way to hold people accountable for the Uniform Code of Military Justice, many their actions without gravely damaging careers. Airmen feel that they will be punished both non- People make mistakes, and that needs to be ok. punitively and punitively should they disclose We can learn from the mistakes and grow better to their leadership any mistake, big or small. as a community. In the end, our Airmen are fallible What squadron and group leaders need to humans and should be treated as such. understand is if they use the program to punish those who self-identify both non-punitively and punitively, the program will be ineffective. This will be largely due to the fact that Airmen will References not self-identify, and the organization may not 1. “ASAP Policy & Guidance.” FAA, 3. “Fact Sheet – Out Front on 5. Travis, Richard, et al. Dirty www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/ Airline Safety: Two Decades of Dozen Human Error In Aircraft asap/policy/. Accessed 19 May Continuous Evolution.” FAA, Maintenance. 2018. 2020. www.faa.gov/news/fact_sheets/ ABOUT THE AUTHOR news_story.cfm?newsId=22975. 2. “Fact Sheet – Aviation Voluntary Capt Kori Lynn Johnson is completing an EWI fellowship at United Airlines Safety Department in Reporting Programs.” FAA, 4. Peri, Ric. “Management System Chicago, IL. She is a career Aircraft Maintenance Officer with experience across Air Force Materiel www.faa.gov/news/fact_sheets/ for Human Factors.” Director Command, Pacific Air Forces, Air Force Special Operations Command, and Air Force Air Education news_story.cfm?newsId=20214. of Maintenance. March, and Training Command. She has worked with a wide variety of aircraft including the A-10, F-15C/D/E, Accessed 19 May 2020. 2020. https://content.yudu. F-16, MC-130J, and AC-130U. Her next assignment is working at PACAF A4 at JBPH Hickam. com/web/28ymu/0A28yn1/ Mar2020DOM/html/index.html