Wingman concept: more than just words

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Marty Anderson
  • 90th Missile Wing command chief
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  Ever been with a group of your friends and one of them said, "Hey hold my beer and watch this"? What did you do? Many times, most people would just sit back and watch. The person would do something foolish and hurt themselves or damage personal property.

Have you had a friend who was going through a difficult situation, but you thought it was not your business to intervene? Maybe you wanted to help but did not know how. I want to take this opportunity to explain my expectations for a true wingman culture and provide information on how to deal with difficult situations!

The wingman concept originated from pilots who looked out for each other during aerial combat. With the war on terror, we realize the importance of a wingman and count on them in order to stay alive. But, this concept only seems to be a hollow word if not in a war zone. This needs to change, and it starts with you.

If at a party and you see someone pushing drinks on to another member who is obviously drunk, do you intervene? If you see a male member taking advantage of a female member who is intoxicated, do you intervene? If you know of a higher ranking member abusing their position or authority, do you report it? If you hear your neighbors shouting and screaming at each other or worse, do you intervene? These are only a couple of situations that test our moral character.

Every single one of us, regardless of rank, is charged with upholding standards and the welfare of all Airmen. Being a wingman is about getting involved, dealing with tough situations in order to ensure a positive outcome.

We don't need people promoted or assigned supervisory responsibilities who are easily intimidated. I will tell you that if you are afraid to get involved or confront a problem, then I don't want to see you get promoted. A true wingman, a person who takes care of their fellow Airman, has the moral character the Air Force is looking for.

Many Airmen are scared to intervene because of peer pressure from their friends or they don't know how to handle a difficult situation, so they don't. First, I will tell you, have the courage to act and do the right thing. If a friend is going to hold a grudge against you, they probably were not your true friend to begin with. Secondly, if your friend is experiencing a difficult situation, go to your first sergeant, chief, commander or chaplain and ask for guidance on how to help.

Most of the time I find the wingman wants to help but does not know how to approach the problem and needs advice. He or she is concerned with making the situation worse and therefore decides to ignore it. Not what I expect.

Never be afraid to ask the difficult questions: What is going on, you are not yourself? Because of this situation, are you having thoughts of hurting yourself? If the responses alarm you, don't let them be alone. Let them talk and then help them by getting them to ask for help. If the person is at risk to themselves or others, you have a responsibility to notify your supervisor or first sergeant. Better to be safe than sorry later.

Being a true wingman involves a personal character not expected in the civilian world, but because of who we are and what we do, is critical to the success of our mission. You may not know how to handle every situation but that is why supervisors, first sergeants, chiefs, commanders, chaplains and referral agencies exist. We will provide you with the answers you need. Never be afraid to do the right thing. Remember, you will never be standing alone.