What does it mean to be a 'Wingman?'

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Lawrence O. Roche
  • 27th Intelligence Support Squadron commander
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (AFPN) --  The Romans, while not the first to understand the central principle behind having “wingmen,” were some of the first to document the importance of the wing position. The most basic Roman battle lines were arranged with the infantry in the center and cavalry on the wings. The main purpose of the cavalry was to protect the center from being outflanked.

For the Army to succeed, it was imperative that the infantry and cavalry understood and followed a prearranged plan and moved with a single purpose. Separately, neither the infantry nor the cavalry stood much chance at defeating an opponent, but together, watching out for each other, they were a formidable force.

The Roman Empire and its lasting contributions to the civilized world would not have been possible without a well-disciplined army and sound principles.

The weapons used to wage war have changed dramatically since the Romans, but the principles guiding their employment have not. Today, one of the most important and trusted positions in a formation of aircraft belongs to the wingman. While we have exchanged cavalry horses for F-15 Eagles, the wingman’s job remains the same: to protect the lead aircraft.

So what does any of this have to do with us? As Airmen, we are all part of a much larger team. The combined effect of individual efforts and skills make our Air Force the most powerful air force in the world. None of us could do our jobs without the support of others. We count on our teammates to do their part so we can do ours. We share a common purpose and we know when we need help, our teammates will be there to pitch in and make the mission a success. All of us need a wingman to succeed.

Being a good wingman is a 24-hour-a-day job. The principles apply both on and off duty and are anchored in personal commitment. Good wingmen have many important qualities. First, they have a moral compass that always points true north. They know the right thing to do and take action to do it. Second, they “keep their head on a swivel,” searching the horizon for any sign of trouble and step in to prevent it. Third, a good wingman learns to lead just as well as follow. We all must be prepared to step up and lead when required, just as we must all be ready to follow once a decision is made.

Although these ideas may seem somewhat abstract, they translate easily into everyday actions. Actions can be as simple as asking a teammate how they are doing and then listening to them when they tell you, or to taking the keys from a friend who has had too much to drink.

Being a good wingman means ensuring your supervisor isn’t bogged down with disciplinary issues due to your momentary lack of judgment. It means taking the time to double check your work and fix any errors without being told.

A good wingman reminds his or her buddies about a meeting starting in five minutes. It means taking care of each other so the team can take care of the mission. It means protecting each other’s flank and building and keeping our trust in one another.

Our nation counts on us to defend its greatest possession, freedom. When we joined the Air Force we accepted that challenge and responsibility, and the price of failure is unacceptable.

Just like the Romans, individually we will fail, but together we are a formidable force. Our fellow Airmen and country depend on us to be great wingmen.