Misawa Airmen need to stay aware of their surroundings

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. A.C. Eggman
  • 35th Fighter Wing public affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  With approximately two weeks to go to the Operational Readiness Inspection, the chief of wing inspections said Misawa Airmen need to stay aware of their surroundings, with a focus on communication and awareness.

"The wing works well together when everyone is on the same sheet of music," said Maj. Darrell Thomas, 35th Fighter Wing chief of Inspections. "Some of the events that we will see happen fast, and the wing will disseminate information out quickly."

"Leadership finds the most efficient way to get information to the Airmen," explained Major Thomas. "Once they've assessed the information they have, they make a decision and get the information out to the people so everyone will be informed and can function properly."

The second part of information flow is from the field to the leadership. The best way to conquer that issue is for Airmen to inform unit control centers of what is happening, he said.

"If you have an event occur you should let your UCC know," said Major Thomas. "Regardless, how small the piece may be, it adds to the collective whole."

The UCC sends the information through the chain of command, where it's collaborated, which then allows leadership to form a bigger picture of what is taking place.

"That really is the crux of what really needs to happen," said Major Thomas. "Sometimes our leaders are forced to make decisions based on incomplete information. Any time we are in a MOPP 4 condition for an extended period of time, this is usually the case."

"Everyone does fantastic work doing their primary job--thank you for that," said the major. "However, we are not in corporate America, we are in the U.S. military. As Airmen, we must additionally understand the war that is going on around us, and how critical we are to the entire process."

To prepare, the major suggests Airmen study the Airman's Manual, and get their gear in top shape. "When it comes to execution time, continue to do the outstanding work that makes me proud to be in your Air Force," said Major Thomas. "Stay vigilant, stay alert! This one is 'practice' but the next one may be for real."