Don’t bother me now ... I’m following Published May 21, 2010 By Col. John Boyle 90th Mission Support Group commander F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- Several years ago, I read an article by Lt. Gen. Ronald Sams. The title of the article was "Don't bother me ... I'm commanding." It was a great article, because it asked commanders to step out of their comfort zone when it was required. For example, General Sams asked commanders to consider listening to subordinates who might be telling them that their great idea was dumb or illegal. I never forgot this article because it made so much sense. When I was asked to write a commentary, I asked myself if this comfort zone concept could be applied to events happening here. The answer was clear -- driving under the influence offenses! Right now the wing is on a record pace for DUIs. I decided General Sams article applied, and here is why. It has always been my opinion that DUIs are often the result of two bad decisions. The first bad decision is a made when a driver who has been drinking decides to get behind the wheel. The second, and less intuitive bad decision, is the one made by a friend or wingman who decides not to stop that person from drinking and driving. That second decision is being made by Airman who in my opinion doesn't feel comfortable schooling their fellow Airman, even when it's badly needed. I imagine these Airmen thinking to themselves, "It's not my job; someone else should take this responsibility on." I characterize that way of thinking as a "Don't bother me ... I'm following" way of thinking. So we get to the point of this commentary which is to ask the reader just how appropriate an "I'm following" attitude is for an Airman in the Air Force? When I brief a First-Term Airmen's Center class, I always tell the new Airmen that their presence in the room indicates they have passed a very big test. They have been accepted into the finest air force in the world. It means that they are the best of the best. It also means they are not supposed to be strictly followers. Someone once said, "from great people are great things expected." I ask then for anyone who cares to consider it. Is standing by and watching another Airman drive drunk, the actions of the best of the best? Nope, don't think so. I once heard the best way to give advice was to not give advice at all. Rather, it was better to let your actions serve as a guide to help others make their own smart choices. So, I ask you, the reader, to consider what actions you will choose to make in the future. Will you choose the actions of a follower or a leader? If you want to be a leader, you will need to practice. One possible way to practice would be to step out of the follower role and step up to the task of helping your fellow Airman to not drink and drive. I therefore ask these things. Be the best of the best, be a leader and be an Airman. Don't let your friends drink and drive. Step out of your comfort zone and lead.