// Role Models
By W/O Keith Gell, Warrant Officer of the Air Force
W/O Keith Gell
For the great majority of us, particularly in our adolescent years, we should never give up the search for role models who have appealing qualities and characteristics. One of the misconceptions about role models, in my view, is that they have to be sports stars, rock singers, adventurers or politicians—anyone with a high profile.
As a disciplined military force, there’s a responsibility that we all have and it has to do with the way people are always looking at us, watching our every move, and in most cases they don’t tell you what they’re looking for… People also look at us as a whole, which is why we must always act with integrity, be open and transparent. This, I know we are doing.
Inside our Air Force everyone in the chain of command is being looked to—whether it be the Aircraftsman looking to the Leading Aircraftsman or the Squadron Leader looking to the Wing Commander. We search for those role models because none of us are perfect. We should always look for the good and be smart enough to see the things we don’t like, and make sure they don’t become part of us.
From time-to-time I get into conversations about how “so-and-so has drifted off track”—the general comment is they are not very good role models. To me, though, they’re only showing the imperfections we all have. I think it’s sad, because occasionally we identify role models purely for the function they are performing.
In my view we are all role models and where it starts is about what you do as opposed to what you say. Also the higher you are up in the food chain the greater the expectation becomes. Our young people will mirror their actions on what our Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers are doing. The downside is if you get it wrong it soon becomes acceptable.
I personally look for role models who lead our Air Force through their actions, 24/7. The one quality I have always admired in a person is the willingness to stand up for something, to be relied upon, and to stick through the tough times. Finding role models is always challenging, but my challenge to everyone is don’t look too high and far—look within your unit in the first instance; they are there.
Finally, we are all role models whether you like it or not. The public looks to us for those perfections they want to see in their families, friends and communities. Anzac Day is a good example of this. Marching through the main street of a small town can have a powerful effect on some people. This we must not take for granted because it is more than the marching they are looking at; it’s really about what you do and how you conduct yourself.
Role modelling is in your job description and it’s non-negotiable. Our core values are a good place to start. Have a look a look at them for the start of 2010 and remind yourself what it means to be a part of this Air Force family.