HERITAGE TODAY VIDEO SERIES “Airmanship” Discussion Guide
Provide a guide for Department of the Air Force leaders at all levels, to initiate critical thinking and group discussion / interaction before and after reviewing the Heritage Today video.
Heritage Today video series inspire and challenge Department of the Air Force personnel with stories of heritage and emphasize the Core Values by using enabler characteristics of character, judgment, and commitment as the building blocks of professionalism.
Airmanship is a mindset where you feel a sense of ownership in everything you do and everything you say. You understand every word of the Oath you took and the behaviors expected. You use the Core Values as your guide posts for your personal and professional behaviors. And you display wingman care towards your peers, subordinates, superiors, friends, and family members both on and off duty.
BEFORE VIEWING the “Airmanship” video, lead the following discussion:
- The term Airmanship is now common to our Air Force, so what does Airmanship mean to you?
- Why do you think people are willing to take oaths in order to be part of the team as an officer, enlisted, or civilian employee?
- Do you think adherence to rules and standards is a key aspect of Airmanship? Why or why not?
- Why did you take the oath?
AFTER VIEWING the “Airmanship” video, lead the following discussion:
- In your opinion, what has been the difference between you learning how to be an Airman and you becoming an Airman?
- If you have questionable character and patriotism; if you don’t demonstrate pride and selflessness; if you lack courage and honor; and you dismiss Air Force heritage, which Core Values and associated Virtues are you not in line with?
(INTEGRITY FIRST because I won’t be on the right path when confronted with ethical challenges and personal temptations. Also it’ll be hard for me to build trust with others; Honesty because my words and actions are questionable and I won’t have that trust with my co-workers or the population I serve; Accountability because I won’t be taking the responsibility to be a professional in my words, actions, or decisions which could discredit myself or my service).
(SERVICE BEFORE SELF because my heart and mindset aren’t allowing me to embrace the expectations of my profession; Loyalty because I’m not trusting, following, or executing leaders’ decisions of how I’m supposed to help myself learn and become a better Airman).
(EXCELLENCE IN ALL WE DO because I’m not increasing my knowledge as an Airman nor am I continuously improving my overall performance; Mission because my mindset isn’t set towards pride and my interpersonal interactions may not be professional or positive; Discipline because I’m not upholding the highest personal and professional standards especially in my attitude. My actions aren’t shaping the culture and reputation of our military profession in positive ways; and Teamwork because my personal best is below what’s expected and I may not be carrying my own weight so I definitely can’t help others carry theirs).
- How might your lack of professionalism impact your ability to lead others (either on small work teams or work details, on a special project, in a work center, in a unit, in a wing)?
- Now you may be the perfect Airman, and that’s great! So, how are you going to help others who aren’t the perfect Airman; those that may have to relearn how to be an Airman before they can become an Airman?
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NOTE:
The words in italics and parentheses are potential responses to the questions. Use them as a guide to help participants focus their thoughts if they’re off track, confused, or stuck on coming up with responses.
For questions with no potential responses listed, then participants’ responses may, and most likely will vary. Just ensure the responses are focused on the topic / subject of the question.
When you see the word “impact” in a question, you’ll be actively listening for responses focused on one or more of the three sets: effective / ineffective, positive / negative, and appropriate / inappropriate examples from the participants. If they’re not, then ask the participants to provide responses focused on one of the three sets.
You’ll see the questions use the term “you” so that participants are actively engaged. As the facilitator, help participants use “I”, “me”, and “my” statements when responding. This way the participants are applying self-reflection and critical thinking. Persuade them away from using “they”, “we”, “them”, “us” by saying, “OK, and how / why would you ….?”
Links to Air Force Foundational Competencies
- Developing Self: Accountability, Communication, Information Seeking, Self-Control
- Developing Others: Teamwork; Service Mindset, Leadership, Fosters Inclusion
- Developing Ideas: Influence Provide a guide for Department of the Air Force leaders at all levels, to initiate critical thinking and group discussion / interaction before and after reviewing the Heritage Today video.