Lessons learned from watching team sports

  • Published
  • By Brig. Gen. Ed Wilson
  • Commander, 45th Space Wing
As my family and I enjoyed some of the NFL playoff games over the weekend, we were struck by how much all of us can learn from watching - and paying attention to - team sports.
What we don't see is often just as important (or more) as what we do see from the comforts of our home. We often see the star quarterback hit the All-Pro wide receiver with a last minute pass to seal the victory.

But think about this for a minute. Look behind the scenes. Think about all the small things that went into the pass being completed, the game being won and the championship title celebrated wildly. Think about the protection given to the QB, think about all the preparation and practice, all the late-night work and the countless hours of game-planning that goes into every single contest.

Think about how everyone - from the trainer to the head coach (and everyone in between) has a job to do, and how each one is dependent on one another for the overall success of the team.

In many ways, the focus on preparation and readiness is a reflection of our wing. Launching rockets is not easy work. We have all heard it takes a million things to go right for us to have a successful launch, and only one thing to go wrong for the result to be a failure. That's not much of an exaggeration (if at all).
Preparing a member to deploy downrange, as well as dozens of other missions require the same attention to detail.

Just like the NFL team, we would be nothing without the entire team executing their part of the game plan. And the wing team includes everyone, from our Medical Group who make sure our people are healthy to our Mission Support Group and Wing Staff who provide a wide gamut of services, including security, fire and personnel support.

Famed Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi probably said it better: "The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual." What a great perspective as we get ready for the Steelers vs. Packers Super Bowl match-up!

You make us proud. Thanks for all you do.