“Command is the best job in the Air Force!” I heard this statement echoed at countless change-of-command ceremonies, mentoring sessions, and training courses. When my own change of command was just two months away, I began to ponder the following question: What is command? My research showed me there is no easy answer. There’s the legal authority aspect of command, the mission aspect of command, and the people aspect of command. With these three pillars comprising the heart of the discussion, let’s take a closer look at the concept of command.

Legally speaking, command is the authority given an officer...

A basic yet essential responsibility of command is leading people. Today’s environment requires commanders who know the difference between leading and managing and when and how to use both. Today’s commanders must merge the art and science of leadership to guide people in times of change. But commanders must do more than just lead; they must develop the individuals entrusted to them, thus ensuring capable forces to perform the mission. To help with the task, this chapter includes subjects such as professional development, promotions, evaluations, mentoring, leadership, and feedback. Developing officer, enlisted, and civilian personnel is a critical commander responsibility...

From its inception, the AEF construct has evolved to provide combatant commanders the capabilities they require as part of the joint team. As a force management tool, the AEF battle rhythm has changed from its original vision to now align with global force management, providing the Air Force agility in adaptive planning. The global AEF provides a level of predictability and stability while being flexible enough to allow AEF operations to meet combatant commander requirements.

Every Airman is “in” the AEF. Some are deployed to an area of responsibility (AOR) while others are employed “in place,” perhaps executing 24/7 satellite...

This chapter presents a wide range of topics encompassing many facets of a commander’s duties. Formal programs—such as safety, security, environmental management, and squadron fitness—that require following specific guidance are discussed. Other topics—such as unit budget, informal recognition, and commander’s calls—are areas necessary for an effective and healthy squadron. The following outlines key points for these programs to help commanders maximize squadron effectiveness.

While safety is everybody’s responsibility, a commander is required to provide a safe work environment for all assigned personnel and to encourage them to integrate mishap prevention and safety awareness on and off...

Often, the tasks associated with maintaining standards and administering discipline are some of the most unpleasant that a commander has to perform. They frequently involve considerations far beyond a simple determination of right and wrong, although that too can sometimes be a complex undertaking. Decisions regarding standards and discipline affect members who are the focus of the action, the unit, the members’ friends and families, and even attitudes across a given base or station.

Adding to this is the fact that disciplinary actions are governed by a host of regulatory guidance, all requiring careful adherence to protect members’ rights, the...

Commanders are called upon to assist their people in a variety of situations, many of which relate only to mission requirements or military service. How commanders conduct themselves and orchestrate available resources to help their people can have a tremendous impact. Their actions can affect a unit’s ability to accomplish its mission and serve as a litmus test to evaluate the effectiveness of the unit’s leadership team. More importantly, they can have a profound influence upon the people, service members, and their families who are striving to overcome the challenges these situations pose. Successfully serving members in a crisis can...

Whether in the preinspection, inspection, or postinspection phase, mastering a major graded event requires time and focus. This chapter provides details on your role in the inspection process and highlights inspection criteria. Further, it outlines programs and actions to help you prepare for inspections and ensure your unit is meeting its wartime and peacetime mission requirements.

As a commander, it is your responsibility to always be ready for someone to come in and evaluate how you are conducting your mission. Whether you are preparing for an IG formal inspection, a functional inspection, or a no-notice inspection, the culture you breed...