Projecting Airpower Through Diversity

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Garry
  • 48th Intelligence Squadron
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Recently, I had the opportunity and privilege of seeing Air Force diversity in action when I attended the naturalization ceremony of a young Airman. As I listened to him repeat the Oath of Allegiance, it began to sound similar to the Oath of Enlistment I've taken multiple times throughout my career. It made me feel proud and humbled to be a member of a service (and country) that embraces people of different backgrounds and nationalities.
 
The intangible factor that enables us to effectively and efficiently project power in air, space, and cyberspace is the diversity of our members, which result is the dominance of the United States Air Force throughout history. What is diversity? How does embracing diversity make us a more effective fighting force?

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines diversity as "...the quality or state of having many different forms, types, ideas, etc..." and "...the state of having people who are different races or who have different cultures in a group or organization". Air Force Policy Directive 36-70, Diversity, expresses the high value the service places on diversity and how it intends to leverage diversity for the betterment of the force.

My first experience with diversity started at home growing up as part of a large family. There were 12 of us under one roof, including my parents, eight brothers, and my only sister. While we were all raised the same way, we all grew to have distinct personalities. There was the athlete, the social butterfly, the fighter, the book worm, and the quiet one, just to name a few. Living with varied, and sometimes conflicting personalities, was a test of understanding and patience. However, my siblings and I overcame these hurdles, got along well with one another, and continue to do so to this day. Appreciation for the diversity amongst us in conjunction with the similarities we shared was the glue that held us together as a family.

I have the same feeling about the Air Force (Active, Guard, Reserve, and civilian). Our Air Force family is a melting pot of personnel that come from a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Being on the right side of history by embracing diversity has been a recurring theme throughout the existence of our Air Force. It's evidence by events such as racial integration, the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, and the opening of combat roles to women.

The Air Force understands how diversity amongst its members enriches its warfighting capabilities. The combination of the Total Force's strengths, experiences, capabilities, values, and cultural norms ensures the Air Force is a capable organization representative of the nation it has been charged to defend.

I issue a challenge to you, my fellow Airmen. Take a look around you. Notice the Airman pulling the wheel chalks, securing the perimeter, and repairing roads; the ones who resolve computer issues and fight fires. Think about our how our Air Force family of diverse backgrounds, temperaments, experiences, and ethnicities are all working towards the common goal of serving our nation.