An ounce of loyalty is worth a pound of cleverness

So inside the military as everyone knows is a Chain of Command.  The Chain of Command exists for a reason. That reason is to ensure that under no uncertain circumstances there is a contingency plan for decision making. Within every Command form US Navy Bases to US Army posts there are multiple Chains of Command reaching from the highest O-10 to the lowest E-1 and everywhere in-between. It is the “in-between” that is the subject of this post.

Air Traffic Control in the US Military is a different world. In our world exclusively governed by black and white rules of altitudes and mileage is a place devoid of Military Courtesy. The Tower Cab, and Radar Room have no room for such “situationally” petty nuances. These places are for professional behavior, not military behavior. Military behavior in such an environment gets people killed, plain and simple. An Air Traffic Controller worth his/her salt will save more lives in one shift, by separating aircraft than an ER surgeon will in his/her entire career. Now, speaking in professional terms, In an Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) there is a Chain of Command separate from that of the Military. This Chain of Command is solely dependent on qualifications. If an E-3 is qualified higher than an E-7, then in an ATCT the  E-3 is in charge, this is a safety protocol, and is designed to work as it does. Now, As with ALL Chains of Command, from Military, to Government to Corporate, Morale is a defining factor in the amount of productivity achieved. Lack of Morale in a conventional setting results in a loss in productivity. In the Air Traffic Control world, Lack of Morale results in loss of life. Here is where Loyalty enters the picture.

Loyalty is defined by Webster as “the quality or state of being unswerving in allegiance” . Loyalty in an ATCT is paramount. Lack of loyalty results in the cut-throat environment common in most professions. A cut-throat environment in an ATCT is deadly plain and simple. If one controller is willing to make a mistake to discredit another controller for the sole purpose of advancing his/her position, people can die. This is why most Air Traffic Controllers you will meet (If you meet any) will be the most humble conceited bastards/bitches you’ll ever meet. So, Next time you fly, think of us. We live in a World Apart, but that Domain exists for you. Fair skies and following Winds.