Looking for work Published Nov. 3, 2017 By Chief Master Sgt. Jacqueline Faulk 14th Security Forces Squadron Superintendent COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- "Looking for work." This is a phrase learned from joint training sessions of an Air Force Security Forces Emergency Services Team and several local California Special Weapons and Tactics teams. This phrase is an important part of preparing a team for a dynamic situation that is always challenging to train for. Each team member is charged with specific tasks. A member that breaches the door, a team leader, a member to cover high, and a member to cover the rear. Each member is trained to take a certain part of the room when they enter the door. Each member knows the roles and responsibilities of every other member and in the event a situation changes, anyone can take over for another member with a smooth transition. They execute, they take the room, the suspect is neutralized, and the victims are secured. This moment is the most dangerous moment for SWAT teams and military units. It is that moment when victory is perceived, members relax, and initiative is lost. Then comes the counter attack. "Looking for work" is the phrase that helps to defend the coming counter attack. The mission is not over until you are in your own bed. Throughout the entire operation, team members are "looking for work."Inaction is the ultimate enemy and the only way to completely dominate the objective is to continue moving forward, continue working. Each member of the team is trained in every other member's assigned tasks so that when a team member is occupied, another member "looking for work" will pick up the slack. When all else fails, a member "looking for work" defaults to protecting a sector so the team is not vulnerable. It is not just the intense training that makes these teams successful, it is this aggressive mentality that allows teams to be successful in any situation. The challenge is to bring this attitude into the daily operation of a unit. It is far too easy to finish a task and then hop onto Facebook, YouTube, or any other site at our fingertips in order entertain or kill time until the end of the day. However, in order to bring yourself, your team, and your unit up to the next level, you must resist the temptation to relax after your tasks are done. Instead, from the moment you walk into your office, unit, or post you must be "looking for work." You must stay constantly on the offensive to get ahead of your tasks, assist your teammates, or anticipate your boss. If you lack the experience or clairvoyance to anticipate others then develop your default "sector of fire." Figure out where you, your team, or your unit are most vulnerable and then cover that sector. It may be something as important as reviewing unit fund expenditures or something as non-critical as cleaning up the grounds around your facility. I challenge each and everyone, including myself, to be constantly "looking for work."
