- Leaders should be aware of "Big Brass Fever" which can negatively impact an organization's efficiency. Some symptoms include overproduction due to a fear of disappointing leaders, treating casual comments as formal taskings, and isolating leaders from reality through "yes men-ism." - Lean Six Sigma methodologies can help organizations identify and address cultural issues like "Big Brass Fever" that undermine productivity. - It's important for leaders to maintain an open and realistic communication with subordinates to prevent inefficient processes from developing due to an inflated perception of a leader's expectations.

1. Inside June’s Issue After a positive response to last month‟s issue I felt
motivated to begin on this one. Just to clear this up, the
Pg.3 Diamond Sharp purpose of this newsletter is to inspire a collaborative
effort between the members of the 125 SFS to help build
Pg.4 Q&A with SrA Sean Parr camaraderie, and share our new successes. By doing so,
Pg.5 Lessons On Leadership we aim to enhance your experience here at the 125 Fighter
Wing. The theme of the Defender will always be to
Pg.7 125th SFS Members go TDY recognize superior performers, reward those who
contribute to community outreach, and encourage
Pg.8 Money Matters professional development. Thanks to those who were
Pg.9 Leaders are Readers involved this month as well as last month‟s issue. I‟m
looking forward to participation from all members; feel
Pg.11 Need to Know free to submit any ideas and comments.
andy.fernandez.1@ang.af.mil
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2. Welcome back 125th Security Forces Squadron!
This UTA is to welcome everyone back and to get all of us back into the productive and
efficient routine that is the backbone of our reputation. This is the first drill in over nine months for our
brave deployers recently home from Bagram. I can't think of a better way to kick off our first UTA all
together again than with an ORE. For those of you returning, I do hope you all had a much deserved
post deployment rest complete with a comfortable bed and delicious food. Even though there is a lot
going on this UTA, I want you all to take the time to reintegrate yourself into our unit. The pace of
being deployed can often cause extra stress and anxiety. Coming back to a Phase II ORE may feel
very similar to being overseas. So please ignore the chaos of the ORE, take some time to check out
what will be our new Security Forces building and say "hello" to friends you have not seen in a while.
For those of you who are fully immersed in the ORE, now is the time to see where we need
work on. If you are new to this unit and have been through an ORE somewhere else, I want to know
what we can do to be better. I value each and every one of your opinions and welcome your advice
and ideas. I am proud of the sacrifices every single one of you has made leading up to, during and post
deployment. No matter if you were here or in Bagram, you all sacrificed for the mission. Thank you
for of your hard work! One team one fight!
Capt. David Melear
Registration for the Tampa/ Sarasota 2012 Tough Mudder has begun. The event will be held on
December 1 & 2, 2012. A 125 SFS Team has been registered but spots are limited. Remember you must
be in good standing to participate (PT, Dental, CBT‟s, CDC‟s, etc.)
http://toughmudder.com/events/florida-2012/ Email andy.f.12@hotmail.com or
Andy.fernandez.1@ang.af.mil For more info on registration (This event has not yet been approved by leadership)
2

3. Welcome Back!
By: MSgt Wilkerson
As I was approached about doing an article, I
Never been happier to have you all back from
pondered about what message I can get out to our the sandpit...all of you did an awesome job!!!
personnel. Do I talk about the upcoming ORE‟s and As you all now know, I'm doing my best to fill
ORI? Do I point out the importance of PME and SMSgt Cogan's shoes as a First Sergeant, which
career progression? Do I stress the importance of is no easy task. June UTA was the first
training and being current all required tasks? All of weekend back for most of you, so I expect
things to be a little chaotic. Nonetheless, the
things are important and I am sure you will hear a lot
show must go on. I would like to brief the
about all that very soon. At this moment, I feel it is following area.
important just to say „welcome back‟.
*Annual Dental Exam - DD Form 2813 can be
Most of us just returned back from a very exciting found on Google
deployment, which each of us will never forget. It http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/infomgt/fo
has altered your life in some form or another whether rms/eforms/dd2813.pdf
you realize it or not. It is important we all settle back
in to the routine slowly, all while keeping an eye out * Annual Family Care Plan Briefing -
for one another. It‟s been a long journey – from the recertification for existing members/new plans
time you were notified of the deployment, all the way for members who now need one (Accomplished
before COB July UTA)
to the first UTA back.
It‟s good to have everyone home safely. „Thank you‟ * Collect an updated Statement of
for the awesome sacrifices each of you, your families, Understanding to be filled out by all and CSA to
and your friends have provided over the past several GTC conversion briefing
months. „Thank you‟ to those who remained here at
the unit who supported us in many ways. The success * Free Florida tag/vehicle registration for
of this deployment is a true testament of the members – discussion only - DHSMV form
professionalism of the 125th Security Forces 83034 is available on DHSMV website
Squadron. http://www.flhsmv.gov/dmv/forms/BTR/83034
.pdf
There are new faces in the unit... Training
requirements on the horizon… ORE‟s to get worked
* Annual Performance Feedback briefing - AF
up about… New leaders in new positions… For Form 931/932 - Flight Chiefs are POC for
now, I just want to say „welcome back‟ and I look turning in acknowledgement form to me.
forward to getting back to business with the finest
* Hurricane Volunteer List for the months of
Security Forces squadron in the Air Force. Sep. Oct, Nov, to be briefed at UTA.
3

4. Q. First and foremost how are you Sean?
A. I am ok. The vision in my left eye still is very bad, and headaches every day because of the
metal in my eye socket.
Q. How were you treated by the medical team there in Bagram?
A. The Medical staff on Bagram was good. The Army Medic that grabbed my attention and
snapped me out of a rage in the middle of a riot is the one person I remember the most.
Q. How did you feel when you found out you were leaving your team and going off to Germany?
A. Since we were separated and all over base, The team I was upset about leaving were the
personnel in Alpha Sector. And the new S-4. We had a meeting in the hospital before I was
evac'd out, and my replacement had to learn his new job, on the job.
Q. We all know that with all setbacks there usually a blessing tied in, have you found it yet? And if
so would you like to share that?
A. I wouldn‟t consider this a "setback", I would consider this an event that would forever change
my life. Remember, my way of life will never be what it was before I was shot. I've had a lot of
cool things happen I‟ve Pentagon twice, The White House twice. I‟ve met the President and first
lady, as well as the second lady, Generals, Command Chief Master Sergeant, Command
Sergeant Majors, and a bunch of really cool people. But since I have a long road ahead, I'm sure
there are more "blessings" to come.
Q. Is there one word to describe how you feel about the situation?
A. There is not one word that could describe this situation. I have a lot of different feelings and
words to "try" to describe it, but I think it would be better to keep that to myself.
Thank you for your time Sean, we here at the 125th wish you the best.
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5. Has "Big Brass Fever" Infected Your Organization?
Recently, I had the privilege of viewing several Air Force presentations that introduced lean
six sigma methodologies to senior leaders. The training was developed by the University of
Tennessee's, Center for Executive Education. I highly recommend their courses of instruction
for any agency moving forward with Lean Six Sigma. I found particularly useful one of the
presentations that dealt with the cultural dynamics that can occur between leaders and the
layers of personnel ranks beneath them. One topic, "Big Brass Fever," stood out for me the
most, as I have seen this in both my military and law enforcement careers.
Here are a few of the symptoms you may have observed in your careers, many times
attributable to, "Big Brass Fever."
 Fear of disappointing leader drives to over production
 Simple tasks become gold plated efforts
+ Casual question or comment treated as tasking for briefing or action
 Briefings reviewed at multiple levels
 Yes men-ism isolates leader from reality
The course gives a humorous, but true, example of this leadership challenge that you may
find all too familiar at your agency.
The Secretary for the Department of Energy was touring a national laboratory’s grounds when a
snake crossed her path. She casually asked: “I wonder if there are poisonous snakes here?” Six
weeks later she received a report prepared by the lab’s top biologist entitled “Census of
Venomous Snake Population”.
One has to wonder how much valuable time and taxpayer dollars were spent on this outbreak
of "Big Brass Fever." How much of this goes on at your agency? Better yet, how much of it
are you causing?
5

6. The above example happens all too often, and usually very innocently, as many leaders never
expect people to take the whimsical remarks they say so literally. Sadly enough, there is also the
opposite out there among the leadership ranks. Some leaders feel that personnel should jump at
every word they say because they have finally earned their stripes, bars, or stars. To me, this is
an indication that they have been promoted beyond their ability to lead and are reduced to using
positional authority to get things done. A sad, but true condition of, "Big Brass Fever."
The best protocol is to learn to recognize "Big Brass Fever," from both perspectives of the
leadership realm; as leader, and subordinate.
As a leader, it is important to remember that everyone is going to do their best to try and please
you and to deliver well on what they believe you want. After all, you're the boss. Sometimes even
the passing phrase or statement can be misconstrued in a subordinates mind to send them on a
mission so full of waste that it halts any real work for days, weeks, or even months. Sometimes
the best thing a leader can do is simply listen, and say, "keep up the great work." At least then
he or she isn't adding to the workflow with unintended consequences.
As a subordinate, try to remember that your leaders do not want you tied up doing busy work
that has no relevancy to the overall mission. This is where employee empowerment
and challenging status quo by asking "why" becomes more and more important everyday.
Never be intimidated to ask your boss for clarity before going on a wild goose chase. Whether in
police work, or the military, lives may count on it one day. Get in the habit of consistently asking
your boss, "what actions would you like me to take next?"
The University of Tennessee's presentation gives of few points as well for controlling, "Big Brass
Fever" that I also found to be quite helpful.
 Talk about it
 Explicitly state “I don’t want action on this – we’re just considering options”
 Be critical of over production and gold plating
 Imagine the unintended consequences of your requests taken to their ill-logical extremes
 Be clear on your expectations and test for active listening
 Remind your people to stay focused on the top priority and not the side issues
 Make a point of asking for bad news and thanking the individual who delivers it
I will close with one final phrase from the presentation:
"Remember, the stronger you are as a leader, the greater the threat of Big Brass Fever"
MSgt Billy Wilkerson
6

7. Leaving for CAAC “Combat Arms Apprentice
Course, I didn‟t know what to expect. First day of
class everything was laid out for us and we then
knew what we were getting into. The first Friday
there was a PT test to see where everyone‟s fitness
level was. The start of the following week started
with a ¾ of a mile run followed by some work outs
then a ¾ mile run back, this is called the bridge run
due to the fact you are running over the troop
walks. Afterwards it was back to the class where
Disassembled M-249
over the next 2 weeks we learned how to break
down inspect and repair the M-9 Berretta and M-4
Carbine. The 1st of two test followed the end of
block one. Next we went the range to shoot the 2
weapons. During this process we lost three
students due to not being able to score high enough
on the course of fire. After all the shooting we got
to shadow the BMT CATM instructors for two
days. We have just started on block two of our
training and learned every little thing about the M-
203 and the M-249 with only two weapons left to
cover we have a test next week, after that is
complete, it is on to the 3 weeks of speeches I recently went TDY to Shepard AFB to attend
followed by graduation. If anyone is looking to go Principle of Instructor school. During this course
to CATM start your PT now or they will kill you we learned the instructor roles to include the
out here. You also want to work on your shooting communication, & learning process, curriculum
the course of fire we shoot here is not like any I development, instrumental media, and outlining
have ever shot and you will need good a lesson plan. We were also trained on informal
fundamentals to score the 280 out of 400 needed to lecture, evaluating student achievement and
pass. I think this is the best training course I have instructed the Air Forces Instructional system
ever had the privilege of being able to attend. I am development (IDS) process. A requirement for
looking forward to getting home and jumping into the course is that I was to perform two 15
the CATM shop to helping them teach not only the minute speeches and a 30 minute speech that
base populace, but our cops on how to become seemed to last forever. I executed all course
better shooters. Thanks for your time and until next objectives, and learned a ton of new tools to
time, may you guns stay clean and shoot straight. implement.
SSgt Andrew Pelton SSgt Jimmy Randolph 7

8. The NEW Roth TSP We are currently living in the age of instant gratification.
Anything new and shiny has been marketed as a “need to
With the introduction of Roth, you will potentially have have” instead of “nice to have”. Marketing firms and
two types of balances in your TSP account: A traditional advertisers have equipped themselves with psychologist,
(non-Roth) TSP balance and a Roth TSP balance. Any sociologist and economist. Giving corporations the
competitive edge between you and your hard earn cash. The
agency contributions you receive will always be a part of
average American is exposed to as many as 600-2000
your traditional (non-Roth) balance. However, you may
advertisement in one day, sometimes more. Have you ever
designate your own contributions any way you like noticed how commercials create and often exaggerate a
depending on your individual tax circumstances. (Note: problem then present their product as the end all, do all. It‟s
Money already in your account when you begin making a format used by corporations to create a “need” by pulling
Roth contributions will remain part of your traditional on the strings of your emotions, enticing you to buy.
balance. You will not be able to convert it to Roth.)
I can here you now, “So what is the problem Andy,
The table below compares the treatment of the two shouldn‟t I help the economy by spending? Or “I just came
different types of contributions. back from a deployment; I‟m entitled to a brand new toy.
No, not at the expense of your potential wealth! Being a
The Traditional TSP Roth TSP member of the United States Armed Forces qualifies you for
Treatment
of… many discounts and tax free incentives. This fact along with
Contributions Pre-tax After-tax1 the overwhelming number of advertisements and social
Your Taxes are deferred, so Taxes are paid up front, so norms adds to the temptation of buying things you can‟t
Paycheck less money is taken more money comes out of your
out of your paycheck. paycheck. simply afford. Getting into trouble financially may cause
Transfers In Transfers allowed Transfers allowed from Roth problems when obtaining or renewing your security
from eligible 401(k)s, Roth 403(b)s, and Roth
employer plans and 457(b)s
clearance, thus hindering you from performing your duties
traditional IRAs as a security forces member. Not only can you damage your
Transfers Transfers allowed to Transfers allowed to Roth military career, you also risk not being able to qualify for a
Out eligible employer 401(k)s, Roth 403(b)s, Roth
plans, traditional 457(b)s, and Roth IRAs3 mortgage, a good apartment, potential career growth, bad
IRAs, and Roth IRAs2 health, and higher auto insurance premiums. Not to mention
Withdrawals Taxable when Tax-free earnings if five years
withdrawn have passed since January 1 of
that most divorces are due to money problems; debt can be
the year you made your first damaging!
Roth contribution, AND you are
age 59½ or older, permanently Although the corporations come with a heavy arsenal, you
disabled, or deceased
1
Roth contributions are subject to Federal (and, where applicable, state and local) qualifying to join the military validates that you can do 6th
income taxes, while traditional contributions are not taxed until withdrawn. However, grade math. Some common sense, contentment, and 6th
both Roth contributions and traditional contributions are included in the amount of
grade math is all you need if you wish to dump debt. Here
wages used to calculate payroll taxes (e.g., Social Security taxes). 2 You would have to
pay taxes on any pre-tax amount transferred to a Roth IRA.3 Transfers to a Roth IRA are some good books I recommend to learn more about true
from a Roth TSP are not subject to the income restrictions that apply to Roth IRA wealth building and debt elimination.
contributions. Retrieved from tsp.gov
The Total Money Makeover, by Dave Ramsey
*Everyone‟s financial situation is different and you should a
seek guidance from a professional counselor for the best advice. Stop Acting Rich, by Tomas J. Stanley
Here are some links to videos that better explain Roth/TSP Debt Free For Life, by David Bach
IRA‟s
The Money Class, by Suze Orman
https://www.tsp.gov/whatsnew/roth/index.shtml
http://youtu.be/R26rT9V2Lbw By SSgt Andy Fernandez
8

9. Charlie "Tremendous" Jones said, "You are the same
today as you'll be in five years except for two things:
the books you read and the people you meet."
Here are some best sellers I found to be helpful.
Tribes by Seth Godin
Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell (Favorite)
Strong Fathers Strong Daughters by Dr. Meg
Meeker
21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by Dr. John
Maxwell
How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale
Carnegie
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Dr.
Stephen R. Covey
Who Moved My Cheese by Dr. Spencer Johnson
The Mentor Leader by Tony Dungy
Films Books Failing Forward by Dr. John Maxwell
1. Cultivating an Unshakable Character by Jim Rohn
Do not go buying books just yet! Some of these books are Great Links for Professional Development &
available on PDF or Mp3 format for FREE!!! Log into the AF Portal Management
home page and click on the “IT E- learning” link on the left side of
Simon Sinek: How great leaders inspire
the screen. Once the IT E-learning website is up, click on the third http://youtu.be/qp0HIF3SfI
tab from the left on the top of the page titled “Books 24X7”. On a
Time Management: Urgent Vs. Important
personal computer using a CAC card reader you can download
http://youtu.be/WSQYm1QCe0Y
these e-books or audiobook files on your computer and later
transfer to CD, cell phone or Mp3 player and listen on your way to Stephen Covey: Goals and Priorities
http://youtu.be/LHHj5Q7ep3k
work. If you drive a half hour to work five days a week, you can
complete a book and a half in a single week. This is a great John Maxwell http://youtu.be/NjX5SOF0X5E
method to maximizing your drive time while adding value to
Personality styles, DISC Profile http://youtu.be/uw_QBjstEh4
yourself in what Zig Zigler calls “Automobile University”.
Security Forces Motivation http://youtu.be/tVP84_-Z8Vc
9

10. 125 SFS
Throwback
10

11. Banned Supplements Critical Days of Summer Safety
 Jacked 3D Critical Days of Summer Safety "Safety- It's Personal" is
 Hemo Rage the theme for this year's Critical Days of Summer safety
campaign, which runs from 25 May through 3 Sep 2012.
 Muscle Warfare Napalm This year's theme is a reminder that safety is everyone's
 Nitric Blast responsibility and the decisions we make impact our
friends, families and Air Force community.
Summer is a wonderful season to enjoy the great outdoors
Communicate Effectively and warm weather with your friends and family. I urge
you to incorporate thoughtful planning in all your
Anyone who has ever been subjected to a post
activities and get sufficient rest before strenuous events as
briefing, guard mount briefing, or a board well as extended road trips. Give some consideration to
interview can testify that public speaking can be your personal limits and capabilities and exercise sound
nerve racking. In fact, public speaking ranks up judgment. We want every Airman to come home safely at
there as the biggest fear in America. Do not the end of the day.
allow this fear to cost you a promotion, AGR
Every year, we remind you about personal risk
position or just a pat on the back. Tackle your
management during the Critical Days of Summer ... and
fears head on by improving your speaking and
for good reason. The majority of Air Force fatalities
leadership skills at the FAA Toastmasters happen during the summer months and we want this to
located at the Jacksonville Airport Authority's stop. Even one loss is too many! I encourage you to make
Administration Building, 14201 Pecan Park safety a priority. Our ever-continuing goal is zero
Road. You can practice your speaking skills at preventable mishaps and fatalities- the Quest for Zero.
your pace while receiving immediate feedback.
Please take an active role in keeping your fellow Airmen
Meetings are held from 1800- 1900 every
safe. Reckless behavior off-duty remains our greatest
Thursday. For more information email threat. Be a great wingman, an engaged supervisor and
andy.fernandez.1@ang.af.mil the one who sets the example for safety both on and off
duty!
Leadership Take Away
I thank you again for your selfless service to our great
According to John Maxwell there are two types nation and have a safe summer.
of people a travel agent and a tour guide. You Maj. Gen.Gregory A. Feest
have to decide what you want to be… a Travel Air Force Chief of Safety
agent is the one who will get you a ticket, give
you a map, brochure and a planner then sent you The Facebook page for the deployers proved to
to a place that they never been. be an essential method of communication
between SFS members. Although it was good to
While a tour guide is the one will walk with you, have the family members involved another 125
guide and support you until you reach a certain
SFS page was made for 125 SFS members only.
destination, that‟s being a leader!!!
There are only 8 members assigned at this
moment, so you already know what to do.
11