Thoughts on professionalism

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Mike Peeler
  • 58th Airlift Squadron
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  When things go wrong in the squadron, it's easy to focus on the negative. Talk around the water cooler becomes about who-did-what-to-whom and commander's calls are filled with discussion about driving under the influence and inappropriate relationships.

While a stern reminder about the rules is critical to good order and discipline, we can't let it consume our daily lives or create a caustic atmosphere. Instead of focusing on the bad, what if we looked at the other side of that same coin, and spent our time considering what exactly it means to be a professional?

Defining professionalism can be difficult. Merriam-Webster's definition is particularly lacking of substance: "The conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person." I'm left to wonder, what are these qualities, and how should I conduct myself if I desire to be professional? What attributes can be used to assess a professional organization?

Consider the characteristics of specialized knowledge, competency, integrity, humility, accountability, self-regulation and image as they help shape our definition of professionalism.

Specialized Knowledge. Professionals are known for their specialized knowledge, their deep commitment to developing and improving their skillset. It's not enough to have attended the class and received the diploma. While that is important in some fields, professionals have an intrinsic desire to be experts at their craft and keep their knowledge up-to-date and relevant. In the flying training community, this specialized knowledge is continuously developed through rigorous self-study of the technical order and participation in challenging training exercises. The professional organization will ensure these opportunities are available and encouraged.

Competency. Professionals are capable, reliable and trusted to get the job done. When extenuating circumstances prevent accomplishment according to plan, professionals manage expectations up front. They don't make excuses, but find a way to deliver. When weather on the track prevents aerial refueling training, the professional doesn't just give up, but coordinates to drag the formation to another track to complete the required events. Organizationally, this pressure to "get 'er done" must be balanced with a culture of safety.

Integrity. Professionals can be trusted implicitly because they exhibit the highest qualities of honesty and integrity. They never compromise their values and always do the right thing, even if it is more difficult. When students fail to meet training requirements, professional instructors hold the standard, stay late to provide the additional training, and thoroughly document the event, even when it might have been easier to "let that one go."

True professionals are also humble. When the mission falls outside their area of expertise, they freely admit this, and help find a better solution. They ask for help when needed and are willing to learn from others. Professional aviators stand up in front of their peers to tell the story of how they messed up, so that others might learn from their mistakes. Professional organizations set the tone for this by providing venues for errors to be talked about openly. The institution must also be willing to acknowledge that mistakes will happen, so long as procedures were not broken, the mistake does not necessarily constitute a crime.

Accountability. Some mistakes, however, occur due to complacency or blatant disregard for the rules. Allowing oneself or others to cut corners is to condone the action and to dilute the profession. Professionals hold themselves, and their peers, accountable for their actions. They admit their mistakes. Flying squadrons hold their aviators accountable by doing periodic assessments, and taking away one's qualification if found to be lacking.

Self-Regulation. Professionals stay calm under pressure. When the situation seems to be falling apart around them, the professional keeps a cool demeanor and is able to diffuse what could become an escalating situation. No plan survives first contact and in the flying world weather and maintenance challenges are a common occurrence. When an emergency situation arises the professional aviator keeps their crew calm by maintaining a clear head and safely landing the aircraft.

Emotional intelligence. Professionals exhibit this by recognizing the emotions and needs of others. They respect those around them despite their role. In a flying training organization, the professional aviator shows respect for his student. He recognizes when his student needs a stern talking to for having poor study habits and when he needs a cheerleader because he lacks confidence.

Image. Like it or not, professionals have an image to maintain. This doesn't mean wearing leather jackets and aviator sunglasses. Having a professional image means showing up to work on time, prepared for the day's mission. It means wearing your uniform properly and maintaining proper customs and courtesies. Professional instructors are always on display and must continuously set the tone. Maintaining this image exudes confidenc and gains respect. The professional organization reflects this image by being always neat and tidy, clean and polished. The office should never have to be cleaned because a distinguished visitor is stopping by, but should always be ready to show.

The Mobility Air Force starts at Altus Air Force base. Through the instruction of the cadre here, every U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III and U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker operator learns what it means to be a professional aviator. It is our obligation to set the tone for professionalism in everything we do. We owe this to our next generation of Airmen.