Photo By Alexx Pons | U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Matthew Caruso, 27th Special Operations Wing command...... read more read more
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CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. — "I've never understood how some leaders believe that the way to lead effectively is by talking down to people or being overtly rude and condescending, as if they are better than their followers" said Chief Master Sgt. Matthew Caruso, 27th Special Operations Wing command chief. "In my years as an enlisted airman I've found that the opposite is true. If you want to be an effective leader, you have to be liked and part of being likeable stems largely from having a caring or compassionate and humble tone in your words and actions."
"It's important to get your words and your message right, the Air Force prides itself on providing outstanding leadership in all endeavors, but it's the responsibility of each installation leadership team to groom the kind of leaders that the force needs for its continued future success," he said. "If you come off the wrong way when leading, you will not be an effective leader."
Caruso has spent the last two and a half years in the 27 SOW, witnessing a continuous wave of growth, change and progression. He has an immeasurable amount of concern for the well-being of all airmen within the wing along with an immense conviction toward the mission at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M.
As Caruso's time at Cannon comes to an end this month, he wanted to share some of his experiences with his fellow Air Commandos and leave them with some final words.
Q: Explain what it was like coming to the 27 SOW:
A: I came to Cannon from headquarters, Air Force Special Operations Command, in 2010. I volunteered for this assignment. I had been watching the build and acquisition of Cannon since 2006. As a mast sergeant and senior master sergeant I remember thinking how exciting it all seemed and that I really wanted to be a part of it all. I wanted an opportunity to lead and grow other leaders and help our commanders build the capability here at Cannon. I made chief in 2009 and was selected to become the 27th Special Operations Group superintendent. Growing and helping lead the 27 SOG was a great and humbling experience.
I learned a lot and had outstanding teammates. Col. Steven Clark, 27 SOW former commander, Col. James Slife, 1st Special Operations Wing commander and Chief Master Sgt. William Turner, 27 SOW former command chief, put me in for the command chief list in 2010. Later that year when Chief Turner became the AFSOC command chief, I was asked to become command chief of the 27 SOW. I couldn't believe it. I was very happy Col. Clark selected me, you just don't say no to a job like this. To be the command chief of a combat wing let alone a Special Operations Wing is a dream come true for any chief!
Q: What about Cannon appeals to you?
A: Initially it was all of the amazing aircraft on schedule to come to Cannon, the operations and our mission. The challenge of a new Command at Cannon really had my interest...I love challenges. With regard to mission, I truly believe in what SOF is doing to make the world a safer place; tracking down violent extremist organizations and ensuring global security in our own special way.
So my passion for mission was the initial draw but then something changed when I became the SOG superintendent. What appeals to me and impresses me most about this wing, are the amazing airmen we have. How they do the things they do daily for our command, our wing and our country is just astounding to me. I cannot begin to tell you what these great Americans do every day and night, all over the world. It's truly extraordinary.
Q: How have the airmen at Cannon impacted you and shaped your vision of the wing?
A: It's the wing commander's vision really. I am just lucky to be on his team. The command chief carries out the vision and helps enlisted airmen see the big picture. Overall, I would say that Cannon airmen and their families have taught me that Air Force members can accomplish anything they put their minds to. There is no obstacle too large for those airmen that are well led and that are resilient. Cannon airmen have delivered time and time again and they carry out the commander's intent without fail.
Q: What has your impact been at Cannon as command chief?
A: I really don't like taking credit for anything. Everyone likes getting recognition for the things they do but I tend to shy away from this and I think our airmen deserve any credit or success I may have had. If I had to pick something I do well, it would be inspiring and motivating people to feel valued and worthy of what they are doing. You have to motivate people to be the best they can be. Make them feel special about who they are and what they bring to the mission. That's probably my greatest impact here, making all airmen feel like valued members of our team and that they should feel privileged and honored to serve in uniform.
Q: What has been your toughest lesson learned?
A: One thing I learned and had to get used to is that things won't ever happen as quickly as we want them to. Having been challenged by this, I learned that many people are afraid to simply make a decision and get the job done. I have seen it time and time again, airmen at all levels and rank are debilitated because they want more information or need acceptance. In other words, they don't want to act due to a fear of failure. When faced with a decision or task, enlisted airmen need to understand risk, explain those risks to the boss and find some way to execute the task for the mission.
If we use trust, confidence and relationship power and communicate well along the way, we can make anything happen. Also, it surprises me how many people feel empowered to say "no!" Leadership should show younger airmen how to adopt a yes mentality and then move out and do the task within the confines of the rules" I have a saying "Don't say no first...say yes, and explain any issues or concerns you have." Lastly, find the courage to be accommodating and meet the needs of the wing in all you do.
Q: What is your favorite aspect of being the command chief?
A: Every once in a while I'm able to help airmen out in a big way. Organizing events that honor airmen or our history, finding funding to put toward mission essential projects or airmen needs, even renovating facilities our air commandos can benefit from, makes my job that much more rewarding. Other than that, I love all aspects of this job. It's very rewarding. I do my job, lead from the front and I like to think airmen respond positively to that leadership. The success of our wing lies heavily on how senior leadership is exemplifying the Air Force core values.
Q: What is the most difficult part of your job?
A: I don't like seeing where our shortcomings come from, no one does. For example, once a week I attend a meeting that lays out all of the wing's discipline problems as well as ongoing investigations across our wing. It's very alarming to go over the failures of our airmen all at once. In general, we have about 15-20 airmen in trouble with the law...major mistakes and serious trouble.
When I see this, it makes me feel like we are failing as leaders. Even when one Airman fails, I take it pretty hard and wonder what I could have done to prevent problems our airmen have. However, it's this exact issue that keeps me grounded and working hard and leading well. It shows me what work we have left to do and what areas we can improve upon.
Q: Where has your biggest achievement been within the wing?
A: I would say building the sense of teamwork and pride we have across the base. Also, getting other agencies and groups to understand what it takes to accomplish the mission and understanding each other's challenges and processes. I spent a lot of time helping each group see each other's perspectives and appreciate what they bring to the mission.
Q: What has been your biggest regret?
A: Not getting out of the office enough or going on temporary duty assignments more often than visiting the flightline. There have been so many mission requirements during my time here that I was prevented from spending more time around base with my airmen. I wish I didn't have to sleep...I would have much rather have spent more time with maintenance airmen, they are true warriors and some of the most underappreciated airmen in the Air Force.
Q: What is the best advice you've received?
A: From Chief Turner - he told me "Be yourself; at every challenge you are faced with, just be true to you." Don't ever change regardless of position or rank. My dad once told me -"Caruso's don't use the words 'can't or won't'." That was great advice and has served me well for 24 years in the Air Force.
Q: What is the best advice you've given?
A: I want to say that our wing commander, Col. Elton, absolutely loves our enlisted force. He and I are a great team, and part of that means feeding off each other for ideas for improvement and getting the wing's mission accomplished. I advise the boss on just about everything concerning the enlisted force. He appreciates advice from his chief and even if it is just a whisper or a look, I might be the voice that reminds him to give kudos and praise where it is well deserved. To be fair though, that question is probably more appropriate for my boss instead of me.
Q: Whom do you admire or look up to? Who really inspires you?
A: Col. Elton, 27 SOW commander, Chief Master Sgt. Dan Koning, 27th Special Operations Mission Support Group superintendent, Chief Turner, Chief Master Sgt. Gary Glover, 27th Special Operations Group superintendent, Chief Master Sgt. James A. Roy, chief master sergeant of the Air Force, my family ... I could go on for days! These people are all part of our team. They have all be so great to me and so supportive of me, the wing and my goals. Most importantly, the airmen of Cannon, they inspire me more than anyone else. I get up every day to do what I do for them.
Q: How do you feel about leaving the wing?
A: I feel like it will never be this good again! I won't be the command chief at a wing that is doing this much in the world, this rapidly, with this many warriors. It's bittersweet. I'm really going to miss my airmen here at Cannon and the mission.
Q: So what is the next step for you chief?
A: I'll be in five more years, which will take me to 29.5 years total. As it stands currently I'm off to the Combined Joint Special Operations Aviation Component to become the command chief for a year. After that, we will see where the Air Force sends me. I just want to keep on leading and follow the chiefs before me to serve the needs of my commanders and airmen and see where life takes me next. That's all we can do, await the next big step and make things better than the way you found them.
Q: How important has the support of your family been over the years?
A: Tremendous! Nothing goes without hard work and sacrifice of your family. Getting support from the people you love is always critically important. You have to keep your family happy as you go through this...without a happy family, you cannot possibly put in the hours we do and stay focused at all endeavors. My family is great; they will always tell you exactly what they think especially around moving time.
If you want to be successful with your family and with your life in the Air Force, you have to explain Air Force procedures to your family and keep them involved in the decision process whenever you can. I am very proud of my kids and cannot begin to tell you how much I appreciate all my wife has done for me, my family and the Air Force.
Q: How do you want air commandos to remember you once you're gone?
A: There are people out there who think they know everything, meaning they think they know the details of how we make decisions at the wing. You know, the second-guessers. I direct this comment to them. Not everything I've had oversight of has always been widely popular, but I'd want everyone to know that everything I've ever done or said has always been because it was the right thing to do and in line with the wing mission.
I have been strong in my words and used conviction in my tone of voice because I knew that our personnel could do anything they put their minds to if motivated, inspired and trained well. Nothing I've done has been for Matt Caruso; it's been for the mission and the command chief's office. I've always followed that: mission, people, and resources. While not always popular, it's absolutely needed when it comes to military leadership. Our loyalties lie with the organization and the mission, not one person.
Q: Do you have any extra words or wisdom or advice you'd like to throw in?
A: I want to thank all the airmen for being supportive of the command chiefs position and all the things we've set out to do together to support our wing, our mission and our commanders. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to lead. I hope I've inspired and motivated people beyond what they ever thought they could accomplish. Please always remember to take care of one another and that people are more important than hardware.
| Date Taken: | 05.11.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 05.24.2012 12:46 |
| Story ID: | 88952 |
| Location: | CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, NM, US |
| Web Views: | 293 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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