Col. Hunt stresses Attitude, Balance, and Character Published June 21, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Stephanie Englar 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The associate dean of resident programs at the Air War College on Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. spoke to SUPT Class 13-10 during their graduation ceremony on June 14 in the Kaye Auditorium. Col. Alan Hunt shared with the audience and group of newly graduated pilots the three points they should strive for: Attitude, Balance, and Character. Hunt asked the audience if they have ever heard the phrase, "Your attitude not your aptitude determines your altitude?" Then he continued by asking if anyone believed that phrase and said he believed there was some validity to it. "This is the beginning of the adventure, but you've all shown you have the aptitude," said Hunt. "It's your attitude that helps you get to where you need to be." Hunt continued by saying that along with attitude, being able to balance and prioritize challenges is important. "You're going to have demands placed upon you to first and foremost complete the mission in front of you," said Hunt. "You are also going to have demands placed upon you to complete things at home, such as a spouse or kids; you'll have priorities that you set forth for yourself and you'll also have priorities to take care of yourself spiritually, physically and mentally." Hunt said that the challenge is to learn how to prioritize what's important and to complete all challenges to the best of your ability. When it comes to priorities that you set for yourself, Hunt said that the biggest lesson he learned in his career is that life is full of opportunities. "Some opportunities you take because they exist, others you have to create," said Hunt. "Whichever the case, seek them out and make a difference." Hunt said that while attitude and balance will help a person succeed, the challenge of maintaining that proper attitude and balance is a true test of character. "This group of graduates has been concerned about working as a team to protect every person's wellbeing," said Hunt. "They stuck together and made sure to keep everyone safe." Along with the three points that everyone should strive for, Hunt said there were six qualities that made a good leader: Leverage technology, ingenuity, and manpower Employ help from above and empower strength from within Advocate safety and security Demonstrate core values Exemplify fit readiness Respect the needs and views of others "It's great to see today's generation of future senior leaders get off to a good start as they take off to points around the world," said Hunt. "They are limited only by their ability to keep their attitude, balance, and character in check, but I'm confident that these graduates are up to the task."