Group Commander:

-Group Commander-

- Summer and First Semester 2016-1017 -

-C/LtCol. Cole Mooty-

-Address to Incoming Commanders-

Congratulations on your appointment to the position of Group Commander of unit AK-20061's Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC). You have risen through the ranks and distinguished yourself such that you are now among the top 1% of your peers. You were chosen for this position because of your resolve, your work-ethic, your can-do attitude, your ability to get tasks and assignments done while under stressful time periods, and your great personal responsibility. You are now a leader of your peers, a shining example of motivation and achievement, and a strong model of AFJROTC in your School and Community.

As you are well aware, one of the primary Air Force core values is “Integrity First.” As such, I disagree with hidden meanings and sugar coated details. Being Group Commander is a difficult job. You will be called upon to not only meet, but also exceed standards where others have failed. You will be stretched to limit of your leadership, motivation, and mental ability. You will be asked to work when others are not willing, and you will be charged with the responsibility of the entire unit, AK-20061. However, you will also receive a strong sense of personal accomplishment when your work is completed in the manner deserving of your fellow cadets. You will be both a role model and a teacher to your subordinates, and as a whole, the paradigm of an AFJROTC cadet.

I pray that the second section of the Air Force core values also be your guide. Be willing to sacrifice your time to assist those who ask for it. Remember that you are a human before your are cadet, and that compassion, patience, and steadfastness will be among your greatest allies during your time in this position. Let “Service Before Self” be a goal to strive for when your nerves are worn thin; recognize that you share a greater part of the corps' responsibility and a lesser part of its reward; recognize also that, both on the stage and behind the scenes, you are making a difference in the corps, the school, and your community, regardless of what others may think or say.

I ask also that in all you do, you strive to achieve excellence. Remember the words of the famous philosopher Aristotle, that “we are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit.” Excellence is not a one time go. It is not a facade, an act, or show, which profess meaning externally, but lacks the depth of true commitment. Excellence is doing common things in uncommon ways, and always pushing the boundaries of what is thought to be impossible, in order to make such things decisively possible. Strive for excellence in every action and commitment that you engage in. Let excellence be your standard, a daily act, and a reflection of our essential nature.

In addition to the added responsibility, I ask that you remain positive, and that you realize constantly that attitude reflects on leadership. Let this position and responsibility guide you, but do not let it define you. Realize that you are a member of leadership, and that if you lack the proper attitude to succeed, that attitude will spread rapidly among the others performing their responsibilities within AK-20061. However, do not let the bad attitudes of another individual weigh you down. If you bear up well under your leadership role, remain positive, and never complain, others shall notice. Be the motivation, the enthusiasm, and the lightheartedness when there is none. Be the change and the catalyst for success when all other props give way.

Though I have mentioned often the strength and resolve that you will need to complete this job, I will say also that you do not stand alone. There will always be other cadets around to support you in times of need. You are the figurehead for the entirety of a corps. You will be followed by not only the score of leadership staff below you, but also by the remainder of the corps. You cannot, and should not, even attempt to do everything for everyone. Remember that your influence over others will compel them to perform and excel. A flight fights its best when it is in a cohesive formation, and as such, you will be strongest when those around you are similarly aligned and motivated. Be sure that you do not over work, yourself, or “burn-out," You will always have a wing man to watch your back -make sure you rely on them with the same certainty you rely on yourself. Inspire them to work with and for excellence, and your job will be complete

I hope that this letter of introduction has not come forward as cliche or lacking in animation; These words are written in light of four years worth of hard fought experience in this corps, filled with lessons learned through trial, error, and the encouragement and guidance of those who have come before. I trust that the base point at which I pass responsibility onto you is satisfactory, and that you will strive for excellence and service as long and as hard as I have. As you move onward from this point, know that you are followed by the trust, the hopes, and the pride of the group commander before you. Good luck, and Godspeed your success.

Please keep in mind the following mantra, which served as motivation for me throughout this difficult job.

“If you inspire others to dream more, to think more, to do more, and to become more, then you are a leader.”

2016-2017

C/LtCol. Cole M. Mooty

Group commander, summer/fall of 2016