101 CDOS: A Safety Mindset

  • Published
  • By : Lt. Gen. Norman Seip
  • 12th Air Force
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Folks, we are fast approaching the summer months. Family vacations, outdoor recreational activities, deployments and re-deployments, and plenty of yard work will all be crammed into the next 101 days. Historically, the USAF has focused safety campaigns aimed at reducing mishaps during the 101 Critical Days of Summer, which starts Memorial Day weekend and ends on Labor Day. This campaign has been highly successful in the past, and I challenge you to build on the past two year's outstanding achievements in which 12 AF (AFSOUTH) did not experience a fatal mishap.. You've proven that our Wingmen are focused and do not accept bad decision-making at any level. As you've heard me mention several times, we must continue this dedicated focus for the remainder of the year. Further, our safety focus must become the norm...a change in culture...so all Airmen understand that we expect nothing less than responsible Airmen making good choices each and every day. Our goal of zero fatal mishaps is not just for the 101 days but for the entire year.

To make this happen, leaders at all levels must fully support this mind-set; it must become a way of life...a culture. A leader's first act is to create an organizational climate conducive to a change in the safety norms by explaining the overwhelming benefits as well as the negative impact of losing one of our own. A leader's second act must be direct involvement to facilitate a positive climate and then stay involved. Finally, be open-minded and innovative to reach our young Airmen. I expect all leaders to lead...reward your outstanding performers and, conversely, re-focus those that do not comply with policy.

Our biggest challenge is to get all Airmen to carry that safety mindset out the front gate with them. We lose more of our young Airmen through private motor vehicle mishaps, especially speeding, than any other cause. The Air Force suffered 64 off-duty mishaps last year and 49 (76%) were private motor vehicles mishaps...over 40% as a result of excessive speed. We expect nothing less than responsible Airmen making good choices each and every day. You work hard and work safe, so play hard and play safe. Relax and enjoy the time you spend with friends and family, but be smart and take those risk assessment skills home with you.

I'm extremely proud and honored to serve with each of you - you make a difference, every single day! From Kathleen and I, have an enjoyable and safe summer, and thank you for what you do.