Winning (Not an article about Charlie Sheen)

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Commentary by Lt. Col. William Angerman

22nd Space Operations Squadron commander

Everyone loves a winner. So does our Air Force.

Our Air Force mission statement charges us to Fly, Fight and Win in Air, Space and Cyberspace. Here, we operate every day in space and cyberspace and produce effects in all three warfighting domains. Our space and cyberspace mission environments are becoming more contested and congested. Obviously, our military, civilian and contractor Masters of Space have the desire and drive to win in all our engagements. Winning is part of our Air Force DNA, emphasized and echoed in the Air Force creed, extolled as part of our warrior ethos.

But, is winning simply about the outcome of a conflict? A tally of battles? I don’t think so. Winning is found not just in the ends, but in the means, too. Winning is something we do individually as Airmen, not just something the Air Force does (time after time). When we live out our Air Force Core Values of Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence In All We Do, we’re winning. The short version: Winning is not just a result, it’s a personal way of life.

We all have our own personal OODA (observe, orient, decide and act) loop that is the continuous way we make sense of and engage with the world around us. Being a winner is something we have to work at every day. It’s about living up to our values, being a good wingman, keeping a positive attitude, setting goals and achieving them and fostering professional relationships.

Since I was a second lieutenant, I’ve had a clip of paper visible from my desk that reminds me of the winning qualities to which I aspire. My own personal philosophy, leadership style and the Air Force culture I strive to instill in my people and mission teams, have been influenced by these examples:

Difference Between Winners and Losers:

Winners

“If it’s to be, it is up to me”

Translate dreams into reality

Empower

“Let’s find out”

Part of the solution

Work harder than losers

“I was wrong”

Want to

“I’ll plan to do that”

“I’m good, but not as good as I can be”

Listen to what others have to say

Are willing to pay the price

Learn from others

“There ought to be a better way”

Celebrate others

Do it

Always expect success

Losers

“I can’t help it”

Translate reality into dreams

Control

“Nobody knows”

Part of the problem

Are always too busy

“It was not my fault”

Have to

“I’ll try to do that”

“I’m not as bad as a lot of other people”

Wait until it’s their turn to talk

Expect it on a silver platter

Resent their colleagues

“That’s the way it’s always done”

Complain about others

Talk about it

Always expect failure

As it has always been since the Air Force’s inception, our people are our most valuable and powerful resource. Every Airman brings their skills, experience and commitment every day to accomplish their mission as part of a team. I salute the men and women of Schriever as they strive to be the best — and winning!