While their success is often measured by the absence of incidents, the impact of the 375th Air Mobility Wing safety office reaches nearly every corner of daily operations across the installation. Working largely behind the scenes, safety professionals partner with other units to identify hazards and reduce risk before they turn into accidents or injuries. Their involvement begins early, long before large-scale exercises, and extends to routine base activities. The safety office is sometimes perceived as only an inspection authority, but its primary role is advisory, providing leaders with the tools and information necessary to accept healthy risk, make informed decisions and prevent loss of life or property. While one month of the year is reserved for inspections, the safety office makes themselves readily available for prep and guidance throughout the rest of the year. “Eleven months out of the year, we’re here to help, guide and answer questions,” said Tech. Sgt. Joshua Pawloski, a 375th Air Mobility Wing safety office occupational safety specialist. “We’d rather be part of the conversation early than show up late with our hands tied.” Beyond immediate risk assessments, the safety office collects and analyzes data that drives long-term improvements across the installation. That data informs new safety campaigns, targeted training, and safer mission completion. “If something feels routine, that usually means safety planning is already working in the background,” said Pawloski. When incidents occur, safety professionals respond quickly to assess the situation and prevent similar events. “We joke that we’re second responders, because when something bad happens, we’re usually right behind the first call,” said Pawloski. “Safety is a continuous study. The rules change, the risks change, and we have to stay ahead of it.” The base safety office encourages Airmen, civilians and families to view safety as a shared responsibility and to engage early when questions arise. “Our office is always open,” said Pawloski. “If you don’t know how safety fits into what you’re doing, ask. That’s how we keep people safe and the mission strong.”
| Date Taken: | 02.11.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 02.19.2026 16:30 |
| Story ID: | 558229 |
| Location: | SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, ILLINOIS, US |
| Web Views: | 7 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, The commander’s advantage: Safety behind the mission, by A1C Devin Morgan, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.