"...do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic..."

"For the good of the Air Force, for the good of the armed services and for the good of our country, I urge you to reject convention and careerism..."
- Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Maxwell AFB, April 21, 2008

"You will need to challenge conventional wisdom and call things like you see them to subordinates and superiors alike."
- Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, United States Air Force Academy, March 4, 2011

Thursday, June 16, 2016

As Usual, Hurlburt Field Leads the Way


I am three weeks and change from retiring, but I am glad to know that I can now be protected when I drive on base for my retirement ceremony in the coming weeks.

For some time now, military members have had to drive to and from work disarmed, setting themselves apart from civilians in the same location driving to work at Wal-Mart or wherever.  Fortunately Congress reiterated its previous stance, in light of military members being targeted and murdered here at home, that installation commanders can allow military members to have weapons on base.

Still, few commanders were and are willing to allow their members to be armed while waiting in long lines at the front gate like sitting ducks.

Not so at the gates of Hurlburt Field.  In a new policy decision, members with concealed carry licenses are able to keep weapons in their vehicles.  It's a great decision and I believe reflects the superior leadership culture of the premiere combat community of our service.  Combat breeds courage and common sense.  Non-combat breeds convention and careerism and risk aversion.

Great job AFSOC leadership for setting the example yet again.  Let's hope other installation commanders follow instead of continuing to risk the lives of their service members and their families.

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