Strength in diversity: A new perspective

  • Published
  • By Maj. Christopher Jacobson
  • 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Diversity sharpens the U.S. Air Force’s ability to project airpower. I could think of no better example than when the 31st Fighter Wing deployed in support of a short-notice deployment.

It was 5 p.m. on a Friday evening when the wing commander received a verbal command to deploy a 6-ship fighter package. It took only three days to have the six jets, plus 137 personnel and 136 tons of equipment, in place projecting airpower at the deployed location.

As the 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron operations director, with more than a decade of logistical experience, it’s clear to me this was accomplished through our strength in diversity.

After the wing commander received the command to deploy the fighter package, the 31st FW and U.S. Air Forces Europe and Air Forces Africa staff had to determine who and what was required to ensure mission success. This was based on a myriad of factors with a finite amount of space on cargo aircraft.

The 510th Fighter Squadron and 31st Munitions Squadron determined the necessary fighter configurations and what assets were available or needed at the location. The 31st Maintenance Group and 31st Mission Support Group assessed what personnel and equipment was needed to ensure the jets and people were fueled, maintained and protected.

After initial planning, the medical and administrative communities vetted members’ training and medical readiness for the deployment. It was a lot of moving parts, but the time it took really drives home the sense of awe. The 31st FW team prepared more than one third of the deployment package in less than 24 hours.

But what does this have to do with diversity?

Consider experts from more than a dozen Air Force specialties provided their recommendations on what to deploy and the suitability of the personnel and equipment. Let us also consider each member comes from a different background with experiences from a variety of bases. To rapidly plan effectively, rank is often outweighed by expertise and background.

One person couldn’t have the expertise or background to consider all the potential requirements. However, a team with various career field experiences and backgrounds enabled the excellence I witnessed at 5 p.m. on a Friday evening. This is an example of how diversity makes this process effective.

Malcolm Forbes once said, “Diversity is the art of thinking independently, together.” The corporate world now considers diversity as a business advantage. A diverse team with different backgrounds makes an organization more innovative and effective.

The 31st FW’s rapid deployment proves the Air Force reaps the same benefits from diversity. A team of Airmen with a variety of backgrounds and experiences sharpens our Air Force’s ability to deter aggression, defend U.S. and NATO interests and ultimately project airpower anytime, anyplace.