Transitioning in the U.S. Air Force Published April 30, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Cansu Teano Rising 6 co-president F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. -- While driving to work recently, I realized it had been a year since I joined the Air Force. I really couldn't believe it had been a year already. Basic training is still vividly entrenched in my mind: the sound of reveille as your alarm clock rings, our footsteps while marching the streets of Lackland and the most unforgettable memory of them all, the military training instructor shouting commands at you or just shouting for no reason. During our last night in basic training, our MTI talked to us and said, "All of you in this room are leaders of this United States Air Force, not just the future leaders but the present leaders of this service. No matter what rank we wear, we are all Airmen; all Airmen are capable to lead his or her peers." When I first arrived at Warren, I found out firsthand that every Airman is given the opportunity to lead. For example, at your work center, you could initiate a program that could boost the morale of your co-workers or participate in various volunteer programs aimed at helping the base and the surrounding community. These are two simple things that reflect leadership. Leading is not just commanding but influencing others. This year I found a perfect opportunity to influence my peers. I was elected to be the airman president for the Rising 6 council. This new council focuses on junior enlisted personnel. The Rising 6 fosters esprit de corps and camaraderie among E-1 through E-6, the majority of Airmen at Warren. Promoting esprit de corps is vital to reach our goal. According to Alexander H. Leighton, "Morale is the capacity of a group of people to pull together persistently and consistently in pursuit of a common purpose." Our common purpose is not only the well-being of junior enlistees but of all Warren members. The council has three areas of interest: voice, mentoring and community involvement. As a unified group, Rising 6 can transform, exchange ideas and resolve issues all the way to our senior leadership. The council acts as a liaison to the wing commander, command chief master sergeant and other bases. Advocating mentorship is fundamental to the council. Mentorship promotes growth for both Airmen and NCOs. There is so much to learn from both sides of the spectrum. The council is heavily involved with the local community both on and off base. By staying involved, we are more aware of issues and concerns facing our local community. Don't let your rank prevent you from being a leader. Every Airman is capable of possessing leadership qualities. Remember, leading is not just about commanding, but the most imperative of them all: influencing.