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Lt. Col. Disler is so busy focusing on the Air Force through her inclusive- language glasses that she is prevented from seeing the value of the tip-of-the-sword functions that are still a vital part of the Air Force mission. She believes that “the Air Force is a support service,” and that problematic words such as wingman and warrior should not make up the fabric of the Airman’s Creed.

The Persian Gulf War was not too long ago, and it was won with fighters and airpower. The current conflict is being won in the trenches and not by the space command or in cyberspace. Although the Air Force’s mission has expanded recently to address technological advances, we must be careful not to stray too far from core capabilities inherent in the old mission: “To Fly, Fight and Win.” Losing sight can still lead to losing the fight. Alignment of purpose within a large organization is necessary for success. Too often, resources are wasted on efforts that do not make the military more capable or survivable.

Lt. Col. Brian Chambers, Air Force Reserve

Youngstown, Ohio