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Members of Team BLAZE huddle together to strategize and overcome challenges and obstacles that oppose Columbus AFB. No matter what uniform is worn to work, each person has an integral role to play in mission success and ensuring the 14th Flying Training Wing is the premier pilot training wing with the world's best Airmen. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Charles Dickens)
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A winning team
Posted 1/18/2013 Updated 1/18/2013
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by Capt. Jesper Stubbendorff
14th Flying Training Wing Executive Officer
1/18/2013 - COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- While I was watching Alabama roll to their third National Championship in four years, I could not help but think of Team BLAZE as we prepare for our 2013 Consolidated Unit Inspection or CUI. There are many similarities between a successful sports team and a successful Air Force squadron, group and wing.
One of the most important attributes of a winning team or organization is to have a winning attitude. Many times on the sports field we see that a game can be won or lost before the first pitch or before the opening kickoff. Bobby Knight, a college hall of fame basketball coach once said, "The will to win is not nearly as important as the will to prepare to win." As we approach the CUI, we must ensure that we are prepared and ready for the inspection. If we have not reviewed and corrected our processes and procedures then we cannot expect to be a successful organization, especially during the inspection.
As a team goes through the course of a season, there will occasionally be challenges, setbacks and small disappointments. Teams have to deal with injuries, losses and internal struggles. Not many teams go through a season undefeated or without having to replace key players. Team BLAZE is no different. Before the IG departs Columbus, we will without a doubt experience some unplanned challenges. We'll have teammates who get sick, injured or make mistakes. In each case, it will be important that other team members are ready to step in, rally the team and get the job done. We'll need Airmen to pick up the ball and continue to press forward.
Winning teams also pay attention to the details and the "small stuff." We have all been there, in pre-game warm-ups and we look over at the other team and notice how sharp their pre-game drills are, how nice their uniforms look and how prepared they are. We know that once that team gets on the field, they are 100 percent prepared and ready to execute their game plan. They are so prepared for the game that they have perfected their practices and have the time to make sure that every last detail is perfect.
At Team BLAZE, we too can make sure that we are paying attention to the little things by making our work areas and grounds look neat, demonstrating our best customs and courtesies, having sharp uniforms and proving to the IG that we are 100 percent compliant with our AFIs and checklists. This will inspire those with whom we work with to do the same and will set the tone for the inspection when they arrive.
The CUI is only 17 days away, yet it will reflect our last two years of hard work and dedication. Colonel Sears has set his expectations and provided us with the proper training and resources that we need to be successful and accomplish the mission. Over 2,700 Team BLAZE Airmen are ready to show the IG why we've earned "3 Excellents and 3 Zeros," with "100 percent accountability." Let's roll!
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