Safety on the forefront: safety standards are developed for protection of our assets. Including you!

During this time of heightened activity, and in our efforts to protect our bases and prepare for what may come, some may feel this is not a time to follow all the safety precautions developed for protection of our assets.

In fact, some safety personnel in Pacific Air Forces have heard from their wing personnel, "This is real world! I didn't have time to worry about safety--that would have slowed me down!"

I would have to argue safety is now more important than during normal operations. We must be prepared to "run the marathon" for as long as it takes to ensure we are ready if called upon.

We all must be ready. Ready for what you might ask? Whatever we are called upon to do would be my answer and that would mean having the maximum amount of resources, both people and equipment, ready to go to accomplish the mission. We must remain as ready as possible to meet the needs of our nation. Safety precautions and guidance exist solely for the purpose of preserving our personnel and equipment resources. The last thing we can afford to happen is to lose some of our personnel to injuries or damage some of our equipment. The resources we have on-hand now may be all we have when called upon to do more--no matter when that time comes.

Lastly, there has been no direction or guidance issued deleting the requirement to follow established safety requirements and procedures. It is important, now more than ever, for everyone to work together smartly and safely. Our deployed composition includes members of many different services, active duty, Reserve and Guard members, and both permanently assigned and temporary duty personnel. Also, don't forget about our civilian employees and contractors.

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One quick look around your command and you'll notice there are as many civilians and contractors displaying American flags and other symbols of America on their vehicles and other symbols of America as active duty members. Their sense of patriotism, commitment to our country, and dedication to duty runs just as deeply as those of us in uniform.

We all must look out for one another and ensure we are working smartly and getting the rest we need to sustain a long-term operation involving increased tempo.

We must also pause and take the time to say "thanks" and offer words of encouragement to our coworkers and other fellow members of our team. A pat on the back or word of thanks for a job well done goes a long way in providing all of us the energy we need to continue "running the marathon." Be Safe ... Be Ready.

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By Maj John Wood, Andersen AFB, Guam

COPYRIGHT 2004 U.S. Department of the Air Force
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group