Commentary: Time to lead is now

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Louis J. Dimodugno
  • 512th MSG deputy commander
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Recently, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley wrote about leadership in his September 2007, Vector message. With the challenges the 512th Airlift Wing will be going through for the next 18 months, I can't think of a more fitting topic than leadership and what will be expected from all of you. 

In April, July and August of 2008, you will perform in the wing's Operational Readiness Inspection, the report card to the Air Force, showing the wing is ready to take the fight to where ever it is tasked. 

In October 2008, the wing will be going through the 22nd Air Force Staff Assistance Visit; and, in April 2009 the wing will be administratively evaluated during the Unit Compliance Inspection. 

Commanders and supervisors at all levels must lead by personal example, ensure compliance by all and reinforce the highest standards of the U.S. Air Force. 

Over these next 18 months, we will be truly tested from our knowledge of our roles and responsibilities to the vantage point of leadership. 

I've had the privilege to serve directly alongside members of the maintenance and mission support groups. Most recently, as a member of the wing's senior leadership team, I've had the additional opportunity to work with the operations group and medical squadron. Because of this exposure, I feel qualified to say the caliber of leadership and personal accountability associated within this wing is second to none. In particular, the chiefs and the rest of the senior noncommissioned officer corps are outstanding. 

As General Moseley recently stated, "the expectations for all Airmen are the same: commanders command, supervisors lead, and, from the most junior Airman to the highest levels of command, we all follow checklist procedures, comply with applicable directives, and focus on our assigned missions or tasks." 

It is through these levels of accountabilities that I call upon all of you to:
- Lead by example, be a role-model;
- know your roles and responsibilities;
- understand the mission and be able to relay to your subordinates how they support and contribute to that mission;
- cooperate across the wing and base;
- communicate with inspiration and confidence;
- mentor those who seek guidance, and;
- maintain a positive attitude. 

These are the facets of leadership that I have compiled over time and have helped me in both civilian and military applications. 

More than 10 years ago, I had the privilege of joining the 512th AW. I arrived off of active duty as a maintenance officer and count myself as being very fortunate to be selected as colonel effective Nov. 1. 

There are good and bad things associated with this promotion. The good is the past units I have had the pleasure of serving in and the enduring friendships that formed along the way. The bad is I now have to leave the 512th AW and Dover Air Force Base. I will join the Individual Mobilization Augmentee world, which will give me a broader view of how the Reserve operates across active duty and in joint environments. 

I look forward to the challenge but will always fondly remember my times at Dover. I'm sure my children will remind me each summer of the times we had camping on "the other side of the runway." 

In closing, my time here has been fabulous. You all have made my experiences here memorable, and I have learned much from many of you. You have shown in the past that you have what it takes to be the best. My challenge to you over the next 18 months is to continue to be the best!