TOP 3 sponsors essay program Published Feb. 2, 2010 By 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AFB, Texas -- Goodfellow's TOP 3 sponsors an essay program quarterly to challenge, highlight and reward staff sergeants and technical sergeants who are members of the 56 Council. "The purpose of the program is to engage junior noncommissioned officers, mentor and support them in their duties and responsibilities," said Master Sgt. Lawrence Godin, 315th Training Squadron. "We have to set the example as senior noncommissioned officers and as the TOP 3, lead the way for professional organizations. The more we mentor from the front, the more they will begin mentoring the Airmen that follow them." Master Sgt. Godin said they pick topics that reinforce the Air Force and NCO message. The current topic focused on Air Force standards and their importance to the mission. The essays are judged by TOP 3 members. The winner for the last quarter was Staff Sgt. Tiffany Howard, 17th Communications Squadron. Below is the essay she submitted. Standards: Military Morals, the Air Force Way of Life Staff Sgt. Tiffany Howard 17th Communications Squadron Standards in the military are the basic rules, customs and courtesies by which the Armed Forces operate. When we learn fundamental ideals in basic training, the same set of morals are established in the minds of many individuals from many different backgrounds and experiences. As Airmen, we are held accountable for the knowledge we have gained. We are responsible for what is and is not acceptable, based on the standards. Whether pertaining to ourselves or our wingmen, standards exist to be enforced at all times. It is imperative for every Airman to enforce standards. No matter how trivial they may seem, standards promote an environment where a sense of awareness is always present. Enforced standards reemphasize a unit's confidence and morale. Standards facilitate individuals from diverse backgrounds to come together as a team to accomplish a common goal safely and with cohesion. Enforcement of standards will keep the team alert and remind them of the task at hand. When we work with someone that upholds standards, we can count on them to do the job correctly. They are dependable. We have less fear of them becoming complacent. We have more confidence that the mission will be accomplished without a life lost at the expense of someone's inattention to detail or failure to uphold standards. Being lax on standards is dangerous. Rules and regulations are written to encourage excellence in every aspect of our military career and following them will prevent needless tragedies on the job. Standards must be enforced and re-enforced until they are indelibly a part of our thinking. Regulations are a necessity in order for the Air Force and Armed Services to work as a 'well oiled machine'. Standards are the building blocks that become our synergy, morale and esprit de corps. We have to hold each other accountable for the standard, at all times. Enforcing standards, whether it is from a technical order, operational instruction or core value, will save lives and allow us to accomplish the mission safely and effectively.
