Dec. 2, 2020
A Post-Year Resolution
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. — Wasn’t the world more predictable before 2020?
Nov. 6, 2020
Changing the MQ-9 Employment Paradigm
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. — For the last two decades MQ-9 operational squadrons have been flying near continuous combat missions in the Middle East and North Africa. However, starting at the beginning of October, a select group of professionals operating the MQ-9 Reaper weapons system began a new approach to bolster their combat lethality.
Sept. 29, 2020
Time Managment for the Military Leader
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. — Time and space. These are not just buzz words used by our newly formed U.S. Space Force but also valued, bounded commodities for oneself, especially today's military leader. The global pandemic has altered or broken countless paradigms once held true; among these is how the military leader manages time and decision space.
April 20, 2018
Blended Retirement System Problem - You Could Lose Matching Contributions
CREEHC AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. — If you’re in the blended retirement system and are fortunate to max out, or nearly max out, your yearly contribution to your thrift savings plan, listen up! The matching contributions are not as straightforward as they seem.
Feb. 28, 2018
Sun setting the MQ-1 Predator: A commander’s farewell
CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. — As we draw closer to the March 9, 2018 sunset of the MQ-1 Predator, as the commander of the 15th Attack Squadron, the last squadron in Air Combat Command to operate the venerable aircraft, I have been asked numerous times for my thoughts about the retirement of the “Pred.” I will attempt to explain my thoughts and feelings about an aircraft and mission I have been flying for almost the entirety of my career.
CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. — If you're in the blended retirement system and max out, or nearly max out, your yearly contribution to your thrift savings plan, listen up! The matching contributions are not as straightforward as they seem. The yearly maximum in 2018 you can contribute to your TSP is $18,500. Also, BRS will match contributions up to 4 percent of your base pay...EACH PAY PERIOD.
June 1, 2017
Addressing Transactional Development
CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. — The purpose of development is to close the gap between demands and abilities. Professional gaps are fluid for Airmen due to frequently changing titles, duty locations, ranks and personal goals. The Air Force attempts to provide baseline skills through training and professional military education, but too often these efforts are completed as transactions: completing requirement X provides benefit Y. Under the Full Range Leadership Model, transactional leadership behaviors result in follower compliance and the pursuit of superficial rewards. The leader’s emphasis is typically on performance in the current rating period or short-term career requirements.
July 16, 2013
My vacation to Moore, Okla.
MOORE, Okla. — I was on vacation in Oklahoma at the end of May, to visit family. My wife and I were actually looking forward to a change in climate and the potential for some thunderstorms, but were not expecting what would come May 20. I grew up in central Oklahoma, in the areas directly affected by the recent EF-5 tornado. which devastated the place I call
May 30, 2013
'An Innovator's DNA:' Col. John Boyd
LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Surprisingly, few Airmen have heard of Col. John Boyd, with far fewer aware of his innovative contributions to the advancement of modern-day air power. As the month of May closes and the Air Staff feverishly reviews the thousands of innovative ideas submitted by young Airmen, I thought it appropriate to recognize an Airman who committed his entire
June 2, 2011
Texting while driving
CREECH AFB, Nev. — According to a 2010 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study, there were over 448,000 motor vehicle crashes that involved driver distraction, and 38 percent of those were caused by people texting while driving.Although cell phone usage has improved our accessibility, it has also proven our physiological inability to multi-task.The human