If you’re considering whether to apply for squadron command, you might be wondering if you’re ready. Or you’re calculating the cost of command to your family, your mental health, and impact to your career. You’re thinking about the right things — and that alone tells me something important about you.

Being a squadron commander is rewarding but tough. Discover the challenges of Air Force leadership, from delivering bad news to handling criticism.

Why Senior Enlisted Leaders Are Essential to Military Leadership Military commanders carry tremendous responsibility: mission success, resource management, and the morale and welfare of their people. But no commander can succeed alone. Every successful Air Force commander has a strong Senior Enlisted Leader (SEL) by his or her side. SELs embody certain leadership traits that help the commander lead the unit to success. What is a Senior Enlisted Leader? The Air Force Enlisted

In this post I reflect upon lessons learned during five years of squadron command.