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What are you doing this weekend?

  • Published
  • By Paul H. Weseloh
  • Air Force ISR Agency Safety Director
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas --  As we enter another weekend during the Critical Days of Summer we should be asking our Airmen one simple question "what are you doing this weekend?" This question starts the discussion on risk management and safety. Supervisors can then review potential high risk Activities, travel or a myriad of summer activities like swimming, BBQ, hiking and kayaking as examples.

Communication is paramount to effective leadership and establishing relationships with our Airmen. Asking this question also allows you to discuss the importance of being a good Wingman and making responsible choices. It allows you to review potential risks, identify hazards and help Airmen decide on a plan of action. A second benefit of asking Airmen about activities and interests is the conversation that follows and genuine concern for the morale and welfare of our Airmen and their families. Asking the questions is about more than safety, it is about being an effective supervisor and Wingman.

Once you know their plans start to use the risk management cycle and assess, balance, communicate, decide and debrief. Consider the need to use the AF Form 4391, High-Risk Activities Form or for a group event use of the AF Form 4437, Deliberate Risk Assessment Worksheet. Emphasis should be placed on the principle to accept no unnecessary risk. Anyone can call a "knock it off" when an unsafe practice or situation occurs. If you see something unsafe then say something. As world class adventurer and mountaineer Alison Levine said "Fear is OK. Complacency will kill you". (Dodd, 2011)

An important part of the risk management cycle includes follow up. Ask the Airmen on Monday how the activity went. Consider lessons learned that can be shared across the unit and celebrate success. Make adjustments for future activities and repeat the cycle next weekend. Asking our Airmen about their interests, activities and goals leads to a stronger Wingman culture and saves lives by preventing mishaps and preserving combat capability. So ... what are YOU doing this weekend?