'Bottom line' drives Airmen: It's time to step up to the plate Published Jan. 25, 2007 By Capt. William Fowler 919th Security Forces Squadron commander DUKE FIELD, Fla. -- Retirements - we've had a few. For years, most units have had a salty Senior NCO or two that could offer advice and perspective from their thirty-plus years of experience. They've become the experts in your unit and rightly so. From Vietnam to Operation Iraqi Freedom these warriors have honed their craft and given us an aiming point for today and tomorrow. Moreover, they have offered a sounding board for ideas and problems and provided a model for how things are done. Those days are fading fast to say the least. These warriors have served their time and are retiring in scores. I am sure as you read this you can list five to ten retirements without hesitation. Some refer to this phenomenon as the "brain drain". I would deem the term appropriate considering there are some work environments that will lose the top-half of their work force to retirement in the next ten years. That will affect the bottom line; don't you think? At the 919th Special Operations Wing, our bottom line is the mission. So what are we going to do when all of the seasoned veterans leave? Who will we turn to? If you look in the mirror, you will see the new expert looking right back at you. It's your turn to take the wheel and all of those years you've spent watching, helping and listening to the senior members of the unit are beginning to bear fruit. If you have recently experienced numerous retirements, you are familiar with the new normal. If you have not, take advantage of the time you still have. That which can be passed on from senior to the junior is limitless and likely impossible to list. However, a notable few are listed below: Leadership Explore the examples those leaving have made. Their words and deeds have likely contributed to your professional self, but take the time to examine the details and nuances of the methods they used or avoided to bring the unit together during challenging times. Job Knowledge By now you are skilled at your primary duties and lead others in those same tasks. However, if you take the time to solicit those leaving for specific guidance on how to "juggle more chainsaws" while shedding less blood; you may be able to improve the quality of your work day with minimal effort. Tradition Carry it on - both formal and informal. These things we do officially and in jest, as a part of tradition, often define us. Sending someone out to get a bucket of prop-wash isn't a bad thing. In today's culture of rushing to look forward, don't forget to look back.