Senior NCOs help a lieutenant during deployment Commentary by 2nd Lt Glenn Johnson 375th Security Forces Squadron 6/9/2011 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AFNS) -- When I was first assigned to security forces, I knew I would deploy, but I thought I had plenty of time. Things did not go as I expected. With less than a year of active-duty experience and two weeks after graduating technical school, I found myself leading a deployment team to Southwest Asia. Upon arrival, my commander pulled me aside to tell me the officer I was replacing was relieved of duty, and I was instructed not to contact him. I was already nervous, but now I was starting to worry. Regardless of my concerns, I focused on my job as a night-shift flight commander of a 150-person flight conducting base defense and law enforcement operations. It was a lot to take in as a fresh lieutenant, being responsible for so many people and resources in an overseas location with no other lieutenants to guide me. I decided to continue to move forward and set some goals for my new flight in hopes of leaving my flight better than I found it. Goal number one was to ensure that the flight was able to carry out the mission to the best of its ability. The second was to improve morale and ensure everyone got home safely. The last goal: Don't get fired! I was able to accomplish all of these goals, as well as many others, with the help of some highly experienced fellow defenders. The silver lining and highlight of my deployment experience were the senior NCOs who worked for me. During the next six months, different master sergeants came and went, but each taught me how to be a better leader. By working with them, I took each of their positive qualities and made them my own. I learned to be firm and uphold standards, as well as the importance of clear communication and rewarding deserving Airmen for a job well done. Together with my senior NCOs, we watched the flight grow through the passing months. By upholding clear standards, conducting fair practices and showing a genuine care for the well-being of our Airmen, the flight improved and my nervousness and worry turned into confidence. I soon found myself teaching my flight what I had learned by talking to small groups and individual Airmen during my post checks. During these talks, I would not only check on how they were doing, but I also focused the discussion on being optimistic, on leadership styles, on having a plan for the future and on respecting others. Our flight encountered numerous difficult situations. We responded to a vehicle explosion, a building collapse, possible explosive devices, vehicle accidents, DUIs, accidental injuries, assaults and emotionally unstable individuals. It took its toll at times, but as a whole, the flight carried on and continued to thrive. When my deployment was over, I was proud of all of my Airmen and NCOs for the improvements they made. My first deployment experience showed me that a good leader will never stop learning new things. I am extremely grateful for the master sergeants who helped me become a more confident and knowledgeable officer. I encourage all young leaders (officer and enlisted) to learn from the experiences of our senior NCOs. I know I will never forget what they taught me.