The Thinking Wingman

  • Published
  • By Col. James Macaulay
  • 442d Operations Group Commander
Whiteman AFB, Missouri --  There is no question that our Air Force culture evolves over time. 

Some of us, fossilized Airmen, might say it evolves too quickly.  But nowhere in our ethos has there been a more profound, positive evolution than in our Wingman code. 

As a young fighter pilot of the Reagan era, it was forcefully ingrained that the only words we were to speak in flight were:

"2" (I understand my instructions and will comply)

"Bingo" (I'm running out of gas)

"Mayday" (I'm getting ready to crash) and

"Lead I think you're on fire" (because a wingman doesn't have the judgment to know)
 
This is similar to the "yes sir," "no sir," "no excuse, sir" authorized responses tattooed on basic trainees of the era.  The universal effect of this outdated mantra was to squelch thinking and reinforce robotic conformation of Wingmen.

At its core, the Wingman concept is one of mutual support, with roots to Genesis and being you brothers' keeper.  In today's complex and technologically intensive flying environment, we now depend on Thinking Wingmen to be able to help solve the tactical problem, verify target location and ROE compliance, safeguard friendly forces and minimize collateral damage.  At any time when their judgment questions the next step, or the situation is getting out of hand, they are directed to call "Knock It Off." Stop what you're doing and re-evaluate. 

The same concepts directly apply to Air Force Wingmen at 0 feet of altitude.  Thinking Wingmen are needed to constantly evaluate the situation and assess the cost/benefit balance of actions and behavior.  We empower (and expect) Thinking Wingmen to make judgment calls, to intercede and stop or not start activities where the risks outweigh the potential reward.  The risks Thinking Wingmen consider are not always safety related, but may be AFI, moral, ethical or legal issues.  Thinking Wingmen provide the sanity check when their lead's judgment is clouded by misplace priorities or other factors.

So the next time you're out and your buddy says, "hold my beer and watch this," a Thinking Wingman would justly respond, "If you can't do it with one hand, maybe you shouldn't be doing it at all" or call for the Knock it Off.