The Choice is yours Published Nov. 3, 2006 By Chief Master Sgt. Todd Salzman 22nd Air Refueling Wing command chief MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Every Airman must know and understand each decision they make affects something bigger than themselves. Earlier this year headquarters Air Force came out with the Culture of Responsible Choices program - designed to mitigate the instances of alcohol and drug abuse. Over time, its focus has expanded. It now extends across spectrum of issues, from tobacco use, fitness deficiencies, gambling and underage drinking to failure to follow safety and injury-prevention guidelines. While we have been inundated with a lot of "programs" recently, I personally view CoRC as one we can't live without. It's a program about decision making, and when our Airmen fail to make good decisions, it can, and often does, impact the mission. There are four-tiers of community involvement to CoRC, which include leadership, individuals, base and community involvement. I'm going to focus on leadership and individuals. To fully integrate the culture, these two components must be active. Leadership and first-line supervisors must know what is going on in their subordinates' lives, families, and personal and professional development. Leaders should also know subordinates' aspirations and where they are in their personal journey. Is there something going on in their lives that could negatively impact their decision making? By knowing their Airmen, supervisors are better prepared to help subordinates. For individuals, I liken the CoRC to a linear approach. During the convoy training block of combat support training, we are taught how to conduct sweeps to ensure the convoy's safety. When stopped, members of convoys remain in a vehicle and conduct a five-meter check for improvised explosive devices to ensure their "close in" safety. Once their safety is ascertained, they dismount and conduct a 25 meter check to identify threats from a greater distance. They continue to conduct these checks for the duration of the stop. How does this apply to the CoRC? For some Airmen, the five-meter check is the only check conducted. The decision tree is based on only one question, "What's the risk to me?" In a "25-meter" check, the questioning extends to questions such as: "What is the cost to my family, friends, coworkers, unit, squadron and the Air Force?" If Airmen are killed in a motorcycle or car accident because of negligence, they misuse alcohol or drugs, they fail to maintain a proper fitness regimen, or they bypass safety guidelines and are seriously injured, the mission is impacted! Today's smaller and more agile Air Force requires much from its Airmen, for without them it cannot accomplish the mission.