Command Chief Corner

Jan15-Mar15 Patrol

Greetings shipmates EMC here with my outlook of our JAN15-MAR15 JIATF patrol. Although we essentially had a similar patrol as far as location goes; it was very different in terms of energy and direction. With most people qualified in their respective billets it allowed ALERT to focus on other areas. By reviewing the DEOMI survey results at the beginning of the patrol it set the tone for me.

Understanding that communication is the easiest and the hardest to fix, group meetings were established to air out concerns. After PLENTY of discussion it was apparent that ALERT crew members really needed to reflect on how our personal actions affect others around us. The way we carry our energy and attitude has a huge impact on how we give and receive information. "We do not see things as they are, We see them as we are." - Anais Nin. That is a powerful quote because it implies if we see things negatively it is because in fact we are the negativity.

I took this opportunity as a challenge to look inward and identify ways on how I could improve myself and allow that energy to ripple outward into my immediate surroundings. I was able to identify what worked for me, implement those things, and make tangible goals towards self improvement.

Sound familiar? It is because it’s the same template ALERT uses when creating goals and developing ways to accomplish them. Those are easy because we can rely on others to be responsible for victory or failure. Using the template for self improvement is difficult because it allows for you to be the only one responsible. It is scary and unnerving to look inside and identify fault but it is achievable and I believe it is the only way to start to improve our surroundings.

I am proud to see other shipmates on the same path of self discovery and positively moving forward as individuals looking inside for blame and not outside. Some shipmates are ahead of others on that road while there are others whose GPS needs to be updated, none the less we all serve as an example.

My wish for all shipmates is to learn our lessons wisely and continue to evolve, advancing toward making a positive impact on our surroundings using tools such as love, tolerance, patience, and understanding.

Good luck to all of you and have fun on this wonderful journey.

Thank you, El Jefe