I asked a man I respect more than any other to share with me - no, with us - what advice he gives to young, up-and-coming U.S. Navy aviators as it relates to leadership and command. I asked him because I respect him; I know his story. He has overcome tremendous odds, fought with courage and valor, and lived with integrity and continues to this day to serve his country in one of the most demanding and dangerous professions in the world - a naval aviator.
He sent me back a short text that could take days to fully understand. Its clarity and truth help firefighters of all ranks understand why progressing systematically through our ranks matters, why it seems that those who have the firmest grasp on our issues and consistently push our evolution toward increasingly positive solutions have served in a consistent manner without shortcuts. It was amazing that the lieutenant commander’s advice was almost exactly what four-star General Tommy Franks said when he was asked about command and leadership.
Franks, in an unplugged session, mentioned that his daughter was married to a West Point graduate who currently made what he called “baby general,” an endearing term for the rank of brigadier general by generals who outrank them. The general said that the one thing he wished his son-in-law had experienced to be most effective at his career was the experience he gained as an enlisted man.
If you are a current subscriber,login hereto access this content.
If you would like to become a subscriber, please visit ushere.
