"Can Do II"

george sweeney (george.sweeney_at_nwa.com)
Wed, 22 Oct 1997 13:54:17 -0700

Thanks to Vince for the balanced perspective on the "so-called" Fighter
Pilot Syndromes. The first fact any person (aviator or otherwise) learns
upon entering military service is that they are a member of a team.
Professional TACAIR aviators (emphasis on "Professional") understand the
necessity of careful risk assessment with respect to
mission accomplishment in both combat and peacetime (training)
environments.

It is revealing to note that the well-known principles of military
leadership - which are institutionalized to ensure that leaders fulfill
their responsibilities to their charges-are reflected in our CRM
behavioral markers. Communication, Teambuilding, Workload Management,
Situation Awareness, etc. are areas where military aviators (not to
mention Staff/Non-Commissioned Officers) are expected to observe SOPs,
rules, practices and accountability. Pilots, regardless of background,
must adhere to safe practices or be separated from the profession.
Simplistic notions or labels do little to advance the cause.