WWBMD? Ask yourself, what would Billy Mitchell do?

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Christin Brodie
  • 90th Logistics Readiness Squadron
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  Ever heard of a guy named Billy Mitchell? 

How about Army Maj. Gen. Billy Mitchell? 

The one who fought to make the Air Force its own branch of the military and was court-martialed only to be awarded medals and promoted to major general posthumously? Yep, that guy. 

He may not be the greatest example of core values, seeing as he was court-martialed for insubordination after issuing a tactless statement calling Navy and Army leaders "almost treasonable," but his intentions were good and his previous actions were honorable. 

The real reason I mention him is that at Air and Space Basic Course at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., my flight started this little saying "WWBMD?" or "What would Billy Mitchell do?"
To us, it meant do the right thing and stand up for what you believe in. We used it in class all of the time. When someone would bring up a differing opinion of a classic ideal of war or how to wage it, we would politely scream the saying across the room. 

Yes, I know it's corny, but when you spend six weeks in Air Force schooling, which includes an air campaign oriented form of dodge ball complete with offensive and defensive counter air, the statement becomes funny and ingenious. Don't judge, you would have used it too. 

Billy Mitchell stood up and fought for what he believed in, no matter how hard others fought back or tried to get him to back down. That's what it can be like when you're standing up for something as simple as sticking to your core values. 

The consequences may not be pretty, but sleeping the sleep of the virtuous is priceless. The core values were created to show others and remind all Airmen that we are a virtuous bunch. We have to be considering our jobs and the ethical decisions we have to make. 

Government employees, whether politicians, pilots, missileers or airmen basic, are held to a higher ethical standard than the rest of the population. The core values are a reminder of the trust we have been given to always "do the right thing even when no one is looking". 

That's what "WWBMD?" is all about. It is another phrase that reminds us of the core values, but through the actions of a fellow Airman. The fate of the general's career should also remind us to fight with tact and respect. 

Even if you're just arguing with a spouse or some friends, showing them respect as you tell them just how wrong they are, goes a long way. So when you're in a sticky situation, just think "WWBMD?"