Leadership: Is it simmering or boiling? Published Oct. 15, 2007 By Lt. Col. Leanne Moore 321st Missile Squadron commander F. E. Warren AFB, Wyo. -- Have you ever put a pot of water on to boil? It takes a lot of high-directed energy underneath to reach boiling point. Well, that's what the 90th Space Wing did for the last three months in preparation for the nuclear surety inspection and operational readiness inspection. We prepped to the boiling point. A wonderful by-product of this surge was that everyone knew their role and their job, but even more importantly, everyone was energized and ready to lead, ready to step in and take charge even if there wasn't a "boss" standing behind them directing their actions. This leadership phenomenon appeared everywhere; everyone stepped up to lead at the next level. At inspection kick-off, Col. Michael Morgan, 90th Space Wing commander, was absent due to medical recovery and Col. Gary Pond, 90th SW vice commander, stepped in. Colonel Pond then had to depart Warren unexpectedly, and the 90th group commanders stepped up. This process continued to flow down to each of the groups, squadrons, flights, elements, all the way to individual Airmen. Most importantly, this leadership phenomenon blazed through the field. Each time the Air Force Space Command Inspector General "decapitated" leadership at the launch facilities, the missile alert facilities, the gates, during the emergency response exercises and on deployment lines, the inspectors watched in sheer amazement as maintenance, security teams, emergency responders and Airmen at all levels -- time after time -- stepped into the breach to lead, command, take charge and complete the mission. This is exciting, this is real, this is what the American military has done since the Revolutionary War -- we win wars because of the spirit of teamwork, the training and the willingness and ability of Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines to lead. The question is, how do we operate when we turn the heat down? How do we keep the combat edge? Don't turn off the heat, just lower it enough to keep the pot simmering. These "simmer ops" are a time to focus on developing proficiency, getting those newest squadron members and three-levels trained to the next level and constantly creating the next crew commander, the next technical expert, the next team chief. Use this time, from now until next June -- when the IG returns to our gates -- to improve the basics and sharpen our readiness. Leadership at all levels -- our strongest trait during the inspection -- provides our toughest challenge during "simmer ops." At inspection boiling point, each of us felt empowered to lead. Once we lower the heat to simmer, the tendency is to revert to a "traditional" static leadership model where only a chief master sergeant or a squadron commander can make decisions or lead. Wrong! I challenge each Airman of the Mighty Ninety to continue to lead, to embrace your role in this wing's operations, whether you are a team chief in training, a new missileer arriving from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., or a new cross-trainee. Perhaps, the opportunities for leadership aren't as readily apparent as they are in times of crisis (or times of inspection), but we are all empowered to lead. The 90th SW looks to each and every member of the Mighty Ninety to take that mantle of leadership and be ready to step into the breach whether the base is simmering or boiling.