What makes a great airman?

[CommunityEditor]

We here at Army Times Publishing Company began the Air Force Times Airman of the Year award in 2001 to recognize an outstanding airman. The initial program highlighted exemplary achievement by an airman beyond the call of duty. The award's criteria now include the following:

* High level of professionalism
* Concern for fellow service members
* Commitment to community service

Many of the candidates for this award will likely be among those often overlooked and unsung.

What, in your opinion, makes a great airman?

Also:
Read about last year's Airman of the Year. (http://www.militarycity.com/promos/SMOY/index.php?loc=af)

Nominate (http://www.militarycity.com/promos/SMOY/nominate.php?loc=af) someone for this year's award.

[Skweegee_guest]

Please add intelligence and the ability to think for oneself to your list. Professionalism and concern for other airmen and the community are some of the attributes of a great airman and these can usually be developed by most airmen. But if they don't bring natural intelligence and an ability to think and reason to the table, then the term "great" should not be used. If this is discriminatory for those with lesser intelligence, too bad.

[FINKD]

Please add intelligence and the ability to think for oneself to your list. Professionalism and concern for other airmen and the community are some of the attributes of a great airman and these can usually be developed by most airmen. But if they don't bring natural intelligence and an ability to think and reason to the table, then the term "great" should not be used. If this is discriminatory for those with lesser intelligence, too bad.
I think one of the most important qualities is initiative. The willingness to do what has to or needs to be done without having to be told.

I'd include the willingness to assume the responsibilities normally handled by more experienced NCOs and officers.

Add to these is willingness to do jobs that are "beneath' their rank like a Senior NCO willing to help sweep a warehouse floor or a SSgt taking on duties normally performed by a TSgt or MSgt.

The key is the word "willingness" for it denotes a personal quality towards initiative and responsibility.

[pitite_guest]

You have hit the nail strait on the head!!! I am so PROUD to have had a husband to have had the qualifications of such an out standing Airman (NCO). AM I allowed to name him? IF not I understand. I lost him in 1984 to a heart attack. and I miss him so.

[pitite_guest]

You have hit the nail strait on the head!!! I am so PROUD to have had a husband to have had the qualifications of such an out standing Airman (NCO). AM I allowed to name him? IF not I understand. I lost him in 2004 to a heart attack. and I miss him so. My husband always said it didn't matter who got the credit as long as the job got done! Jug didn't always get the credit for the things he accomplish, but the job got DONE!

[AIRGUARD231]

A geat airman,
What makes a great airman is their ability to demonstrate initiative. A great airman needs little counseling. They are goal oriented and have a plan. A great airman is one that will sacrifice themsleves for the better of the team. They volunteer and help out when others can't make it. A great airman is one who doesn't get frustated or stressed when the job gets tough or when extra hours are required for short notice taskings. A great airman looks continually for ways to improve the work center, the unit, the base, and the community. They get involved and they make a difference. Nothing is a show stopper to them. They don't understand nor accept "I can't". They lead and take charge. They ask for no special thank you in return. I have seen many great airman in my career, and I'm sure they'll be plenty more. As supervisors though we need to recognize these individuals and get them the praise and recognition they deserve.

[pitite_guest]

In my first reply to this post, I said I lost my husband in 1984, I guess I was in such a hurry to post a reply to this thread that I typed in the wrong date, when my husband past away, it was in 2004 not 1984 Maybe someone will read this reply and remember him . MSGT Ira G Wilder 1ST SGT also know by his nick name Jug