Page 3 - Desert Lightning News, Nellis-Creech AFB Edition, October 16, 2020

2 October 16, 2020 Commentary Desert lightning news s. nevaDa Desert lightning news s. nevaDa news October 16, 2020 3
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Work, life balance — dispelling the myth! 99th MeDIcaL GrouP

by 20th Medical Group with a healthy work-life balance. I was re-designates two squadrons
Shaw AFB, S.C. always amazed when new members in-
process an organization and ask for a desk-
I recently stepped into a new role as an top instead of a laptop. Then I realized that
executive team member at a high-tempo some people actually leverage the “older”
organization, and found myself having technology as a way to set boundaries in
great conversations with friends and their lives, as having a desktop prevents
mentors about finding a healthy work-life them from taking work home. Once again,
balance. this differs greatly for each person as many
Much of this conversation happened use laptops and smart phones to gain flex-
amongst our outstanding group within the ibility in life. Think of the balance you want
Medical Group here at Shaw (AFB, S.C.). and what tools are out there that can help
As we talked though our day-to-day you achieve it.
challenges in the face of COVID-19 and 8. Don’t forget about you.
shared mutual experiences, one thing be- Courtesy graphic By the simple nature of our job, most
came apparent — no one’s balance is exactly of us fall into the category of task-oriented
the same. We often discuss this topic as if place the service to your nation ahead of you feel whole and make a concerted ef- people who love to stay on the move. Don’t
there is some perfect, universal balance that your personal desires. There will be times fort to engage in that activity as often as forget to change gears and make the time
Air Force photograph by Senior Airman Isaiah J. Soliz
exists daily, that we can all obtain, when in where you are asked to place the mission beneficial. Identifying activities that are for self-care. Your reasoning for why you Airmen and civilian partners observe as Col. Elizabeth Anderson-Doze, 99th Operational
Air Force photograph by Senior Airman Isaiah J. Soliz
reality it is unique to each of us and to dif- first, but that is not a requirement every enjoyable and making a plan to keep them practice self-care may simply be to set the Two 99th Medical Group ceremonial squadron banners are displayed during a squadron Medical Readiness Squadron commander, gives remarks during a squadron re-
ferent times in our lives. day. Remember to refocus when mission in your life is a great way to maintain example for others to follow, or it may be re-designation ceremony for two squadrons at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Sept. 30, 2020.
Balance can’t always be measured a day requirements slow. Don’t require your positivity and give us something to look something that you know you fall short on designation ceremony for two squadrons at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Sept. 30, 2020.
or even week at a time. Balance, like resil- people to stay late for tasks that don’t have forward to when work life (or home life) without a consistent focus. Either way, there During the re-designation ceremony, the 99th Aerospace Medicine Squadron became During the re-designation ceremony, the 99th Aerospace Medicine Squadron became
iency, is measured over the long haul. So, to be accomplished today. gets stressful. Knowing what “fills your is no doubt that taking care of yourself is the 99th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron and the 99th Medical Operations the 99th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron and the 99th Medical Operations
don’t be hard on yourself if you missed a few 2. Check your vector. cup” can help you build higher-quality a critical part of the overall balance. Treat Squadron became the 99th Healthcare Operations Squadron. Squadron became the 99th Healthcare Operations Squadron.
more days of work over the last month as Self-reflection is a critical principle in time away from the office, so that you can yourself!
you had to stay at home with a sick kiddo, or developing your own emotional intel- return to work recharged and ready to 9. Know Yourself.
had to stay late a few times this week to get ligence. In order to truly understand tackle the mission. Determine when you are the most
the mission done. Part of finding this long- how well you are balancing your work 5. Communicate your boundaries. productive at work, and do your best to Pipeline MQ-9 Pilots step into leadership
term healthy mindset is acknowledging and home life try to continuously survey As stated above, each person’s balance block that time for your most critical work
the fact that the desired work-life balance your family, friends, and co-workers. Seek looks different. That is okay and ultimately related tasks. Try to remove yourself from
may be slightly off day to day. Be willing to honest feedback and be willing to adjust. adds to the diversity that makes us the life’s distractors, such as email, cell phone,
accept that we strive for “perfection” with “Check your vector” daily. I recommend world’s greatest Air Force. Set your bound- additional meetings, etc., during this pe- by airman 1st class William rio rosado their worth proves to be an integral part of the Air Force
the understanding that we may never really using a journal to document a continuous aries and then share them with your family riod. Being able to structure your work day Creech AFB, Nev. We Need.
obtain it. Those who accept this concept can balance over a period of time. Be honest and coworkers. Consistent communication around this high productivity time can As the demand for MQ-1 Predators and MQ-9 Reapers “The 18X program represents the next evolution of
find comfort in the fact that they are doing in your assessment! Be vulnerable enough can help build a foundation upon which result in a more flexible and relaxing time around the world steadily grew in 2009, a new career field combat experienced pilots,” Hector said. “The new career
the best they can over a short period of time with your co-workers to share where you you can truly grow. We know all of our outside of work. of aviators emerged to pilot them. field is full of young, highly motivated Airmen excited about
and truly excelling over the long haul. may fall short and ask for help with ac- trigger points that may elevate our levels Remember, each day looks a little differ- The Air Force began their experimental training pro- the mission, focused on saving lives and ready to take the
No family structure is the same, so countability. of stress. For some this might be missing ent, but routine is important. A term that gram for airmen to fly these aircraft with five beta classes. community to the next level.”
by default, priorities are different. Some 3. Quality over quantity. a lunch-time run, while for others it may often makes me smile is “Semper Gumby,” Lt. Col. Robert, 15th Attack Squadron commander, One of the ways 432nd WG/432nd AEW Airmen are
examples here at Shaw span from a father This might be the most critical point! be staying so late that we miss dinner with i.e. “always flexible.” It defines the daily life expected to bring leadership to the future fight is through
of four whose wife homeschools to a single There is never enough time in the day the family. The more you know about each of an Airman. was in the third beta class and is now the first Remotely their predisposition to understand and work toward Joint
mother of two healthy dogs! Each of these to accomplish everything we want to ac- other’s boundaries the greater support you James Carse once said “to be prepared Piloted Aircraft (RPA) pilot (18X), mission control ele- All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2); their 24/7
Airman are individuals with their own set complish, but we can be present. Focus on can give. against surprise is to be trained. To be ment squadron commander in the 432nd Wing/432 Air operations a living example of constant cross-communi-
of priorities and place higher/lower value making the time you spend in each element 6. Learn from others. prepared for surprise is to be educated.” Expeditionary Wing. cation, and integration with intelligence, ground, air and
on different aspects of balance. There is of your life high quality. When it’s time to Have you ever had a conversation with There is no doubt that each day will offer Beta classes consisted of approximately 10 pilots, each sea components.
no right or wrong answer here and simply be home — be home! Set the phone aside an older family member who smiles and different challenges, but maintaining flex- experienced in different career fields and time-in-service. “Our community’s desire to learn, our curiosity, and
accepting the diversity in approach helps and engage in activities that are fulfill- nods as you share a stressful time in life? ible attitudes can certainly prepare us for The purpose of variety in RPA pilots was to find the proper hard work has helped us make a very smooth transition into
us build a cohesive team whose focus is on ing to the whole family. When you’re at This person can simply smile and nod be- the surprise! candidates and inputs for the new 18X career field overall.
the success of all. work, block time to accomplish the most cause they have been there! Life experience In the end, the concept of a consistently The journey to from the third beta class to MQ-9 Squad- a community filled with 18X pilots,” Robert said.
Below are some items to consider when important tasks. It’s all about a clear focus offers insight that is extremely valuable as perfect daily work-life balance is truly an ron Command was a challenging one, but Robert was deter- Robert explained that 90 percent of the pilots in his
establishing your own “ideal” work-life on each activity. we add tools to our toolbox. Seek guidance unattainable goal, but the idea of seeking mined to secure a spot in the future of air and space power. squadron are 18X pilots, and he is proud to be one himself.
balance: 4. Find activities that recharge you. and be willing to learn from those with steady balance over a long period of time is Some traditional pilots questioned how successful these Courtesy photograph Leaders in the RPA community, he explained, are excited to
1. Mission First … when it needs to be. Whether it is reading, being in nature, more experience who set an example you both obtainable and realistic. This requires new RPA pilots will be with limited time in an actual air- Lt. Col. Robert, 15th Attack Squadron commander, stands see what’s in store for the future of their peers as they step
Service before self does not mean playing with your kids or pets, watching want to follow. a change in mindset and regular “vector craft. But this new platform and career field brought forth with his family during his assumption of command into more leadership roles.
neglecting your family and yourself. It your favorite TV show, exercising, engag- 7. Use your tools. checks,” but will lead to a happier, more a way of flying and training that is different and effective. ceremony at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., June 26, 2020. “As these undergraduate RPA training graduates mature
means that you maintain an understand- ing in religious activities, certain aspects We are fortunate to live in a time where sustainable existence that primes you for “Our training was not nearly as long as traditional Robert made history as the 432nd Wing/432nd Air and garner experience from multiple sets within Air Com-
ing that at any point you may be asked to of your job, etc. explore what truly makes technology offers many tools that can help success both at work and at home. manned-pilots,” Robert said. “The pilot community wasn’t Expeditionary Wing’s first 18X mission control element bat Command, Air Education and Training Command,
sure if the shortened training would work and asked what squadron commander. and Air Force Special Operations Command, the enterprise
was lost by not providing a much longer, traditional pipe- can expect a group of leaders with an understanding of the
Desert Lightning News, So. Nevada edition is Department of the Air Force or Aerotech News and For all submissions, a name and phone number line.” Hector is also a graduate of the third beta class, and history of the enterprise and the direction it needs to go,”
published by Aerotech News and Review, a private Review of the products or services advertised. of a person to contact must be included in the event “Each 18X had to kind of prove they could handle was the first boarded 18X MQ-9 squadron commander in Hector said.
firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force. Everything advertised in the publication shall be questions arise. themselves,” he continued. “The pressure was never nega- the wing, while Robert represents the Air Force’s first 18X The Wing’s first ever 18X MCE squadron commander
Contents of Desert Lightning News, So. Nevada edition made available for purchase and use of patronage All material is edited for accuracy, brevity, clarity
Desert Lightning News Staff are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national and conformity to the Associated Style Guide, to tive. It was more just an uncertainty and caution we had squadron commander of a combat MCE squadron. has high hopes for the future of the RPA enterprise thanks
Paul Kinison, Publisher, Aerotech News and Review by, Aerotech News and Review, the U.S. government, origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political include military ranks and proper writing etiquette. to overcome.” As the Air Force continues to chart a path to the lean, to the professionalism of his peers.
Stuart Ibberson, Editor the Department of Defense or the Department of the affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the Corrections: Desert Lightning News staff Despite the uncertainty, Robert took command of the agile, decisive and technologically advanced force of talented “No one gets after the bad guys like we do,” Robert said.
Tinna Sellie, Editorial Layout members strive for accurac y each week .
Sandy Bueltel, Advertising Sales Air Force. purchaser, user or patron. If you notice an error in fact, contact the Desert 15th ATKS in June 2020, joining Lt. Col. Hector, 732nd Op- professionals- it also needs to protect national interests and “I’m very proud of the 18X community and it is motivating
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CONTACT: Editorial Staff at 334-718-3509 including inserts and supplements, does not constitute Lightning News is no later than Monday, 4:30 p.m., erations Support Squadron commander, as one of the first ensure the nation’s present and future security. While pilots to have young Airmen with the attitude, work ethic, and
For editorial staff: e-mail editor@aerotechnews.com an endorsement by the Department of Defense, the the week of desired publication date. editor@aerotechnews.com, and we will consider 18X squadron commanders in the 432nd WG/432nd AEW. of the 18X community continue to rise to leadership roles, commitment to success they have executing the mission.”
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