Page 61 - Never Fly Solo

34 | NEVER FLY SOLO
crew keeping the planes airworthy, and the tanker crews refu-
eling us in the air. Many times, these wingmen are behind the
scenes, providing support to the frontline fighter pilots. If they
don’t do their job correctly, we can’t do ours. We’re only as
strong as our weakest link.
This “one team, one mission” mentality is what inspires
a check-six culture across the entire organization. Since no
one person can be aware of all the obstacles and dangers in
the environment, every wingman provides a unique perspec-
tive that can build awareness and up the team’s odds for suc-
cess. By creating trusting relationships with all the wingmen
in your unit, you increase commitment, because everyone has
a stake in the outcome. All partners become aligned with the
mission and will go the extra mile to make sure it gets
accomplished.
In a wingman culture, a wingman who checks six can see
the big picture and recognize changes in another wingman’s
behavior. The wingman can see how the stress in a person’s
life can alter their behavior, and may be able to help that per-
son. A check-six environment is one in which a wingman will
always come to the aid of another and never leave him
behind.
Just like Lieutenant Colonel Shiban, a wingman will serve
as a chase ship and guide her buddy to a landing or to a
resource where he can get help. This isn’t just about encourag-
ing. It’s about taking action and making sure your wingman
is taken care of.

CREATING A CHECK-SIX ENVIRONMENT

When communication, feedback, and mutual support don’t
exist, people begin to distrust each other. No one collaborates,