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Team Shaw leaders share their wisdom

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Daniel Blackwell
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Team Shaw military leaders held a combat and deployment-leadership event to impart their knowledge on Airmen here, Oct. 4.

The panel was comprised of nine active-duty personnel, eight enlisted and one officer. Approximately 98 Airmen attended the event, from junior enlisted members to officers.

The talking points and information given centered on deployments, combat (and its stressors) and the importance of training.

Each individual on the panel shared personal life experiences regarding most of these topics.

Senior Master Sgt. John Northcutt, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal superintendent, shared the knowledge he accrued after many deployments spent primarily "outside the wire."

He shared stories with the Airmen present about the stressors of combat from both a leadership and junior enlisted perspective.

"Protecting your people is your number one job as a leader," Northcutt explained.

Not only physically during combat, but also mentally post-combat, Northcutt advised those in leadership roles to avidly protect their Airmen. He explained that combat-induced stress or trauma has the potential to cause detrimental problems in Airmen if not properly monitored. Honesty, from both the Airman and their supervision, is needed to properly address any issues that may arise.

"Honesty is paramount," he added.

Master Sgt. Charles Littlefield, 9th Air Force joint tactical air controller evaluator, recalled a combat story from his career and advised Airmen to not give up, no matter how bleak the outcome looks.

He advised young Airmen to train their minds and study to be leaders in case leadership is incapacitated during combat, as was his experience.

"Every Airman should train to be a leader," Littlefield explained.

Master Sgt. Julie Moretto, Third Army/U.S. Army Central 18th Weather Squadron plans and requirements manager, spoke of the unique career she has had working primarily with the Army.

She advised Airmen to study above what is required of them and to know the customs and courtesies of the other branches of service. She explained that knowing these things can come in handy during joint taskings and deployments.

She also explained the importance of knowing one's job and the Air Force's expectations and standards. Not only know the standards, but speak with confidence when relaying those standards to those from other branches who might hold high levels of power and rank.

"You have to really know your job and the Air Force standards and not be afraid to speak up when necessary," Moretto said.

After the panel shared their thoughts and stories the floor was opened up for questions.

The event finished with Shaw's Top Three donating a check to the Wounded Warriors Project in honor of those who have faced or have been affected by combat.