"C'mon" Airmen

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Stephen Teel
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
In case you are not familiar with a major sports news network segment called "C'mon Man," on Monday Night Football, here is the scoop. The cast takes time out of their day to poke fun at bonehead plays made the day before. It is a series of ridiculous plays, calls, fan actions or anything that would make a normal person say, "C'mon Man." You may not watch football, but you have probably seen something in the past and thought "C'mon Man, you know better than that."

Well it is your turn.

There is a place for everything and some of our Air Force brothers and sisters have to be called on their "C'mon Man" moments.

As Airmen, we should all look around and call our friends out on their boneheaded plays. Yes, I said friends. More times than not, it is our friends who let us get a little off the straight and narrow, not our supervisors or leaders. It is easy for a supervisor to call BS on a boneheaded play; however, it isn't so easy for one to call themselves or their buddy out. Don't worry so much about your friendship, worry about helping your friend do the right thing and avoiding the "C'mon Man" moment. A good friend should respect that.

For lack of time, I will name three "C'mon Man" areas I see a lot of. I am sure you can add to the list.

Military bearing ... "C'mon Man" ...This is a must in the Air Force and the Department of Defense. The way we conduct ourselves around others show them what kind of values we have. When we say ma'am and sir, it shows respect. Give it and expect it. We know how to conduct ourselves, military basic training could have easily been called Military Bearing 101. No one forgets BMT. Use what you learned.

Standards ... "C'mon Man" ... This isn't negotiable. We must maintain Air Force standards and not give in to performing below them. What are the standards you ask? Maintaining the proper uniforms, haircut according to instructions, showing up on time, completing tasks we are assigned, maintaining professional relationships, etc. Every day is filled with opportunities to prove we have what it takes to be the best at what we do. Take pride in what you do and take pride in being an American Airman. Ask yourself, "Do I represent the Air Force and myself to the best of my ability?"

DUI's ... "C'mon Man" ... How many times are we going to let one another jump into a vehicle after a drink or two? Again, "C'mon Man." We know what the possibilities are; death, prison, monetary fines, discharges, humiliation and the list goes on and on. Don't do it and don't let your friends do it. Call the commander, the first sergeant, your supervisor, AADD, or a list of others willing to come get you.

This is just a start. Next time you notice your buddy setting up for that boneheaded play just say it: "C'mon Man."

The Air Force is easy. Remember, whether you are on or off duty, in or out of uniform, off base or on base, we still represent the U.S. Air Force. Show pride in your service and give others something good to say about you and your extended family.