Football fan CMSAF Rodney McKinley uses a football analogy, specifically the need for performing the basics of blocking and tackling well to highlight a leadership message in his latest “The Enlisted Perspective.” In his words, “At [basic military training] and technical training [airmen] learn the basics, or blocking and tackling. … As leaders, it is our responsibility to ensure those basics our airmen learned are reinforced every day. … Leaders never walk by a problem. If you do, you are now part of the problem. You must never miss the opportunity to provide feedback to our airmen, positive or negative.”
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.