2 Mar 2010

Lorenz on Leadership -- The solid foundation

Our Air Force has more than 175,000 civilian employees spread across the globe. In fact, they make up more than 25 percent of our authorized Total Force end strength. The civilian force fills an ever-increasing role in daily mission accomplishment, especially as we've experienced personnel reductions over the past 20 years and, many would argue, no

17 Feb 2010

Lorenz on Leadership -- A dynamic tradition

Our Air Force has many traditions. Some we inherited from other services; others are more recent and will take time to fully develop. Traditions are positive things, deeply rooted in our heritage and pride. Traditions are things we don't easily give up.One of our traditions, however, isn't often recognized as "positive" and doesn't get the applause

16 Feb 2010

Lorenz on Leadership -- A mentor's influence

Mentors touch our lives and help shape us into the people that we are today. We value mentorship in the Air Force and both develop it in our subordinates while seeking it from our supervisors. I like to think that one cannot have enough mentors, nor can one mentor enough. I've had many through the years, but one sticks out above the rest. This

27 Jan 2010

Be yourself

When it comes to leadership and what it takes to have a successful military career, there is no shortage of material to draw from. Many principles overlap with minor tweaks here and there based on the author's perspective. I have learned much over the years through schools and experiences, but I thought I would focus this article on something a

18 Jan 2010

Successful leading

Over the past 19 years in the Air Force I worked for numerous leaders. Some it felt like a privilege and honor to work for because of the great leadership and others it was not as enjoyable. Despite the fact there are some very effective leaders and some not so effective, I venture to say that lessons can be learned from both. There are books,

6 Jan 2010

Can do, will do

Before my arrival here at Altus Air Force Base, I was well aware of the innovative attitude that is prevalent in everything that comes from this wing. This attitude stems from the positive motivation that resides at Altus. Everyone is on board with the wing-wide effort to accomplish our mission and to do it well. There is a constant desire to do

30 Dec 2009

Maintaining the Human Weapons System

It all started during an Elmendorf staff meeting. Seeing a major I didn't know, I introduced myself. In reply she spoke a sentence that still echoes in my mind. "Hello Chief, I'm Major Jennifer Halter, I am a crew chief on the human weapons system." Puzzled, I asked for clarification and she replied, "I am a crew chief on the human weapons system;

30 Dec 2009

The Airmen now aren’t like they used to be

I've often heard the expression when an Airman gets into trouble, or faces an adverse action "The Airmen now aren't like they used to be." I then wonder what has actually changed from then until now. The Airmen today are still required to meet very selective entrance qualifications, most of which are far more stringent than at any time in our

18 Dec 2009

The Appropriate Role of Religion

The holiday season is a very special time. As an Air Force community we have Airmen celebrating a number of different religious events. Some celebrate the miracle of lights and the rededication of the Jewish temple. The Winter Solstice carries great significance to our Airmen who practice Earth-Based religions. Some Airmen mark the Islamic New Year

15 Dec 2009

Lorenz on Leadership -- Jessica's legacy

There are certain times in our lives where a single moment or significant event causes us to pause . . . and reflect. These moments can catch us after both happy times and sad - after accomplishments of our own or those of others. Sometimes they catch us off guard, by surprise. More often, though, these moments sit out in front of us . . . and we