Reviving the Warrior Ethos: The Front Line Supervisor Published Nov. 20, 2014 By Maj. Travis Lunasco and Chaplain (Capt.) Brenner Campbell 9th Reconnaissance Wing BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Over the years, especially among some of our younger Airman (enlisted and officer), the Air Force's Warrior Ethos has noticeably degraded. The effect has been subtle, slow, progressive, and almost undetectable. Its widespread reach evidenced by a growing disassociation between our Airmen and their Core Values. An increasing number of Airmen today are able to recite the Airman's Creed verse-by-verse and provide the definition of their Core Values. Yet, their behaviors, actions, and approach to life may speak otherwise. Symptoms of this insidious condition manifest in a variety of ways and echo in our halls and workplaces. Here are some examples: Excellence in ALL we do versus "What's the minimum score I need to pass the physical training test?" or "It's Monday and I had to come to work;" Service before self versus "That's a great volunteer opportunity to boost my Enlisted Performance Report/Officer Performance Report," or "I'm just doing 4 years, finishing my education, and punching out for a better job;" Integrity first versus "Don't worry about it, no one will notice," or "I'll get paid whether I do a good job or not." These examples are symptoms of a growing apathy and changing culture that can and will weaken the foundation and fabric of our very institution, purging our Warrior Ethos, leaving an uncertain future for our Air Force, unless we act to stop the spread of this epidemic. Warrior Ethos: What is it? The Warrior Ethos is a tremendous source of strength that provides each Airman with the means to reach and maintain an optimal state of readiness and survive the rigors of operational demands and life in the military. An Airman that embodies his or her ethos places the mission first, seeks challenges, and never quits. It motivates an Airman to wake up each morning with a sense of purpose and commitment to something greater then themselves. The Warrior Ethos is a disposition, character, and fundamental value system that extends to every part of an Airman's life. It is a mindset that enables each Airman to reach his or her goals in life and during times of hardship, overcome adversity. The Forging of an Airman The Katana is the legendary sword of the Japanese Samurai, revered as one of the finest weapons in the world. A reputation attributed to its distinct forging process that can only be described as ceremonial in nature. Raw materials are folded, cut, and pounded repeatedly in the heat of fire removing impurities and producing a blade with roughly 30,000 layers. It's this unique approach that gives the Katana its strength, resilience, and soul. The forging process is a kept secret from outsiders and passed only from one generation of sword smiths to the next. Creating Airmen who possess, understand and live the Warrior Ethos, is a similar process. Basic Military Training, Commissioned Officer Training and Officer Training School provide the setting in which civilians are hand selected, broken down, and forged into Airmen. It is a ritual that infuses men and women with cultural facets essential to their new identity. The desired end result is an Airman with newfound strength, resilience, and the formation of a Warrior Ethos. Cultivating the Warrior Ethos: Front Line Supervisor In warrior cultures, such as the Samurai and Spartans, the honor of maintaining an atmosphere that cultivates the Warrior Ethos was granted to the Warrior elders. In each of these cultures, elders were charged with the shaping of those following in their footsteps, ensuring the transmission of culture that was key to protecting their people and way of life and sustaining their Warrior Ethos. Similarly, in our Air Force culture it is the front line supervisor honored with this great role. A front line supervisor is considered to be ANY Airman, no matter what rank, who has the privilege of influence over another. This could be as a result of rank, expertise, and/or position. Front line supervisors have the power to sustain the Warrior Ethos in the lives of their Airmen in a myriad of ways. Here are just a few examples. Challenge Airmen to love their fellow man and country by carrying out their jobs in a professional manner. Guide Airmen to live Air Force Core Values in and out of uniform and remind them they are an integral part of democracy and freedom. Model an attitude that says "I get to go to work and serve my country each day." Push Airmen to strive for a 100 percent on their PT exam instead of "just passing." Engage in conversation with Airmen about Air Force heritage, honoring our bond with those that have given their lives for the same cause. All too often, it is forgotten that Airmen have sworn to defend their country with their lives. Encourage Airmen to volunteer for the sake of community and responsibility (not everything needs to be for credit on an EPR or OPR!). Finally, let's not forget the most powerful tool that a front line supervisor has: the ability to influence excellence through modeling. The front line supervisor should lead by example. Embodying, demonstrating and reflecting the values they seek to instill is the most effective and essential tool of any supervisor. To the Front Line Supervisor As a frontline supervisor, you must never forget WHO you are: a unique group chosen to protect our great nation, its people, and way of life. You have the privilege and honor of perpetuating, embodying, and passing on the culture and spirit of the Warriors before you to the next generation. As such, we charge you, the front line supervisor, to ensure our Core Values and Airman's Creed are more than words we print off on paper or hear at Commander's Calls, but rather a moral and behavioral compass that is key to sustaining our Warrior Ethos. Examine your institution and hold tight to the things that support our traditions and beliefs and challenge those that do not. Be an agent of change now! The future of our Airmen, our Air Force culture, and American way of life is in your hands...