Brigadier General John Michel here, I'm stopping by on June 30 to speak with you. What questions do you have for me?

Brig Gen John Michel — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 18:45:50 -0400

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We are excited to welcome General John Michel to RallyPoint on Tuesday June 30, 2015 at 5:00pm EST for a live Q and A session! General Michel recently retired from the Air Force, where he served as Commanding General at NATO Air Training Command, Afghanistan. He’s also well known for founding and popularizing one of the most influential leadership blogs on the planet: GeneralLeadership.com.

This year General Michel is releasing a new book, as a follow up to his most recent: “The Art of Positive Leadership”. He’ll be joining us to discuss:

• Experience & Challenges as head of NATO Air Training Command, Afghanistan
• The future of NATO given events in the Middle East & Russia
• The Art of Positive Leadership: The importance of impactful leaders in our modern, connected military

The Art of Positive Leadership: John E. Michel: 9781490869902: Amazon.com: Books

The Art of Positive Leadership [John E. Michel] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Nothing fully prepares one for service in a combat zone. When I was selected to command the NATO Air Training Command Afghanistan and the 438th Air Expeditionary Wing in Kabul

Response by SGT James Elphick made Jun 24 at 2015 6:52 PM

SGT James Elphick — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 18:52:16 -0400

As far as I know the Afghan Air Force will have helicopters, both transport and gun ships, as well as the Super Tucano for close air support, are there any capabilities that their air force will be lacking in their on-going fight against the Taliban?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 6:58 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 18:58:12 -0400

Thank you for joining us here on RP.

What do you see as the role of other NATO members in the continuing campaign in the ME. I ask this because of other discussions on RP about what our continued role in NATO/UN missions should be.

Thank you, sir!

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Jun 24 at 2015 8:10 PM

Capt Brandon Charters — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 20:10:31 -0400

Sir, This is exciting to have you here with us. I'm a big fan of your GeneralLeadership.com team.
Your time in command of NATO airpower training in Afghanistan will surely leave a legacy for the history books. Stepping into a leadership role like that has to start somewhere and with some kind of framework to work within. What was the first thing you wanted to accomplish after taking command? Also, what leadership traits and skills do you feel were most important during this deployment?

Response by MSgt Frank Graham made Jun 25 at 2015 9:11 PM

MSgt Frank Graham — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 21:11:08 -0400

I'm not a fan of the backwards flag everyone is wearing. Not sure how this happened. I've heard the whole Army rushing into battle story, but I don't buy it. To make things worse I've seen people wearing the backwards flag on the breast pocket of a jacket. I think the whole thing is disgraceful.

I have had a Chase club card for years and convinced the Widows group to get them. I received many complements for the picture of the Thunderbirds on the card. Several years ago everyone was forced to accept the flying meatball design (An old Army Air force design). I want to have my Thunderbirds back.

I found out that Chase was not giving the widows any points on their cards and complained until they fixed it. But only for widows that call in and ask for it. Also some widows were charged membership fees which were never returned. To top it off, The club at Macdill sent payments in late resulting in extra charges for members. But that was some time ago. I've got plenty of issues to talk about Handicapped Access, Widows, etc. If you can get them to look at the flag issue I'll be happy. It reminds me of the story about the Emperor's new clothes. I've always been the one to ask why he's naked. I don't know of any other country that displays it's flag bacwards. Do you ?

Sorry for the long email. Write me back if you want to hear more. I miss the old Air Force, before we tried to be more like the Army.

Response by TSgt Keith Wright made Jun 27 at 2015 5:18 PM

TSgt Keith Wright — Sat, 27 Jun 2015 17:18:01 -0400

General, what is your oppinion on military hypnosis and the history of the AF exploring telepathy? Do you believe that these issues are connected in some way with suicide issues and homocide issues?

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Jun 28 at 2015 11:02 AM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 11:02:06 -0400

Thank you for taking the time to do a Q&A with the folks here at RallyPoint Brig Gen John Michel!

You well known for your GeneralLeadership.com blog, can you tell us about the leaders and mentors that most influenced you in the art of Leadership?

Response by MSgt Robert Pellam made Jun 28 at 2015 4:37 PM

MSgt Robert Pellam — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 16:37:46 -0400

Sir, As someone who has retired in the last couple of years, I am currently a full time student at Charleston Southern College. I find myself in a student teacher, and mentor roll during the semester with young men and women in my class.

My question, what is the best way to impart wisdom on these students who do not have a common military background? What is the best way to follow up on them; should I be obvious, or should I watch from a distance?

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jun 28 at 2015 6:14 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 18:14:58 -0400

General, I would like to know how the military is treating cases of military sexual trauma now.
They used to call them "Personality Disorders".
I don't know what they called it when I was Active; however, I was the victim of two Men who committed military sexual trauma against me.
One was a Warrant Officer. (I had hit my breast running around the corner of a building. The Warrant Officer promptly took me into his car and fondled my breasts.)
The other, was my Executive Officer. He came into the mail room-where I was working-and pinched my buttock.
I now have less than no respect for either Officer. I consider what they did: Reprehensible.
But, I knew if I reported these men, I would probably be called a "liar"- or words to that effect- and demoted, among other things.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Jun 28 at 2015 8:29 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 20:29:02 -0400

Brig Gen John Michel Sir, having served as Commanding General at NATO Air Training Command, Afghanistan what is your assessment of the Air capabilities and limitations of the Afghan Forces in general? How do they rate in terms of air logistics, air support deep and close air attacks, air assault (inserting infantry) casualty evacuation, ISR and other missions I may have missed? How important is Air Power to the success of the ANSF given the total lack of Air capabilities of their enemy?

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jun 28 at 2015 8:42 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 20:42:03 -0400

And, General John Michel: I was in no way trying to be disrespectful; with my question about military sexual trauma.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jun 28 at 2015 9:15 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 21:15:30 -0400

Sir, I am the coach of a 'Group for Suicidal Active Duty and for Suicidal Veterans.' How do you propose that we drastically reduce (Down to none, if possible.) The number of Active Duty and Veterans who take their lives each day.

Response by SSG Rita Chandler made Jun 29 at 2015 11:13 AM

SSG Rita Chandler — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 11:13:49 -0400

When faced with implementing or suggesting change in the military it was easy as a leader to make it happen. I retired and after being gone over 30 years moved back home to a small town that wants to grow but is struggling with how to make it happen. There has been a fight against growth in the past. The fight against the change is not as strong as it once was. The direction of how to get there is not in place. I want to assist with how to get there but don’t want to be too “militant” in my approach. What strategy do you recommend to encourage a community who is now ready to grow?

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2015 3:18 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 15:18:48 -0400

General, what common themes have you learned about how successful leaders spend "down time?" That is, how do successful leaders relax and recharge their batteries?

Response by Capt John Young made Jun 29 at 2015 3:31 PM

Capt John Young — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 15:31:31 -0400

General, who are some historical figures who have influenced you? Why?

Response by SSG James Yellis made Jun 29 at 2015 3:47 PM

SSG James Yellis — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 15:47:23 -0400

Sir, we've talked a little on other social media,but I would like to know where you see out Military in 3-5 yrs with all the cut backs and more down sizing?

Response by MSgt John Grollimund made Jun 29 at 2015 5:05 PM

MSgt John Grollimund — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 17:05:52 -0400

BGen Michel,
Greetings from Grand Forks ND! Congratulations on your recent Retirement.
With RPA taking on a larger role in all facets of surveillance and ground support in the AOR, do you see a larger need for RPA missions and possibility of intermixing combat RPA for air superiority?

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Jun 29 at 2015 7:39 PM

SSG Trevor S. — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 19:39:23 -0400

General Michel,
Now that you are retired, have you found adjusting between civilian and military acceptable leadership to be a challenge of cultural adaptation? Do you have any tips for transitioning leaders to make this adaptation process easier?

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made Jun 29 at 2015 8:19 PM

SFC Kenneth Hunnell — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 20:19:33 -0400

Sir, when will you complete your profile? The reason I ask is because I would like to know who the general is by what is put in the profile or should I just read the book to figure out who you are. No disrespect intended

Response by Maj Michael Whitehead made Jun 30 at 2015 7:59 AM

Maj Michael Whitehead — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 07:59:12 -0400

General Michel, Do you see a considerable need for more aviation English training in Afghanistan and elsewhere? If so, will the Air Force take a more active roll in providing that training through contractors?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 9:29 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 09:29:57 -0400

Sir,

I was stationed in Grand Forks when you were the Wing Commander. The one thing that I found impressive was your implementation of PDP. Do you know if this program is available for other bases?

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Jun 30 at 2015 9:31 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 09:31:08 -0400

Brig Gen John Michel - It is a known fact as you have pointed out in your writing that positive leadership can and will lead to positive results. Often when on the battlefield having someone that is calm and as collected as one can be with bullets flying close to your head has made a difference in that unit's success. A prime example I've used to COL Chamberlin during the Battle of Gettysburg while defending Little Round Top. Never once, even has men were running out of rounds did he say the fight was over. Rather as you know, he shifted his battle plan and lead his unit to a successful defense of the far end of the Union line.

Now as a Veteran, I find myself trying to maintain a positive atmosphere about what we are facing. Sure we can focus on what is broken but what do you feel looking back at all your experiences can Veterans do to take this positive leadership into their local community to end some of the negativity that surrounds Veterans' issues?

Response by SSgt Armen Mansouri made Jun 30 at 2015 10:34 AM

SSgt Armen Mansouri — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 10:34:40 -0400

Sir, I separated from the Air Force in 2006 assuming life would be better as a civilian making the tons of money I was promised. I was wrong. There are many of us who have felt the same way.
Many of us become depressed, can not find jobs, can not hold relationships, can not conform to civilian lifestyle once separating ourselves from the "brotherhood" we knew.

My theory is: They are introduced to the military lifestyle at a young age where minds are easily shaped (18 to 19 year old in basic training) They work in a cohesive unit, they create a bond with these men and women that is unbreakable. The next thing, they are in the outside civilian world where no one cares about the "bond" or "brotherhood". This leads to "unemployment" "depression" and even the unthinkable 22 suicides a day.

There are many grassroots veteran organizations out there that are trying to cater to these same veterans, trying to reconnect, and trying to recreate the bond. Some of these organizations are
rallypoint, Warrior Pointe Inc, Battle In Distress. Even some humor facebook pages such as Awesome Sh*t My Drill Sergeant Said.

My question is this: How can a man of your stature get more involved, and get more prominent military leaders to get involved in these organizations to help the veteran community? z
How can the organization Warrior Pointe inc. (http://www.warriorpointe.org) contact someone to plug a representative in major military installations during out processing to let these individuals know that there are organizations out there to help them?

Response by LCDR Gordon Brown made Jun 30 at 2015 11:46 AM

LCDR Gordon Brown — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 11:46:26 -0400

A comment with a question; Flag level Veterans are conspicuously absent from the battles raging over the VA healthcare issues. I am very curious if you might know why Flag level retirees fail to help, especially since without strong, solid enlisted personnel many of them would have never reached 0-7 and above?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 12:13 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 12:13:25 -0400

A quick heads up to everyone. I wanted to apologize for the previous post. I made mistake of leaving my computer unlocked and my RallyPoint profile open in the lab sometime yesterday. I believe a coworker came across it and took the opportunity to post something either inappropriate or offensive (unaware of how the military community may take it). I was unaware that this had happened until this morning when I received an email alert regarding it. I can't find their original post, ergo, I don't know what was said or how to delete it, but I just wanted to take the opportunity to apologize for that.

That aside, since I'm already on this page, I do in fact have a question for you Brig Gen Michel.
Sir, I had the unusual experience (beneficial none the less) of attending a senior military college from my junior year till graduation as both a veteran and a non-commissioned officer in the Army. During my time there, I witnessed a spectrum of leadership ranging from:

A) what I can only describe as incredible. Leaders you felt were just meant to lead; outgoing, confident, competent, humble, focused, open-minded, constantly aspiring to learn more and improve themselves. Many have gone on to have highly successful careers and I still consider all of them to be very close and dear friends of mine.
and unfortunately...
B) what I can only describe as absolutely heinous. These were individuals you would be alarmed to see commission. Individuals who demonstrated arrogance, incompetence, drug and substance abuse issues, violent (including violence towards women in one case), unwilling to learn much less admit to any mistakes, disrespectful toward their NCO counterparts, disrespectful towards their subordinates, careerist mentalities which they felt precluded from needing to be team players, selfish.

What has baffled me these last few years is that at an institution that attempts to adhere to military uniformity and teach the values that we as service members have learned and lived by, how does such a mass spectrum of leadership and exist? My military career is coming to an end as my civilian career begins, but I'm still left asking this question and with some concern as to the prognosis of future leadership in our military. Can you offer any theories on why this exists and what any up and coming officers or NCO's can do to better guide the course of our military's leadership in a positive and effective direction?

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 12:23 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 12:23:24 -0400

Greetings General
What challenges do you see the financial difficulties in the Eurozone posing for the future of NATO?
Thank you
Maj Folsom

Response by TSgt James Carson made Jun 30 at 2015 1:17 PM

TSgt James Carson — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 13:17:12 -0400

I would like to know why a young man cannot serve in the Air Force today with a history of asthma he's grown out of and proved in by completing BMT. The Military will allow gays and trans genders, who soon after joining demand and have approved gender change operations. This young man asked nothing but to serve his country. He knows promises made by the military and the Government wont be kept, but he still wants to serve. I respectfully ask for your input so this young man will see he isn't failing anyone. He can do many things, just not in the military.

Response by Lt Col John Culley made Jun 30 at 2015 4:12 PM

Lt Col John Culley — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 16:12:13 -0400

The 2006 U.S. Army/Marine Counterinsurgency Field Manual refers to Army Field Manual 27-10 entitled The Law of Land Warfare. The copy of FM 27-10 our unit has is dated July 18, 1956 with change 1 dated July 15, 1976. Has there been any more updates or changes to FM 27-10? Have there been any more recent Army or other service publications on the applicable Laws of war?

Response by Brig Gen John Michel made Jun 30 at 2015 4:58 PM

Brig Gen John Michel — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 16:58:37 -0400

Grateful for this opportunity to join everyone this evening. Many thanks Rallypoint team for facilitating this conversation. Here we go.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 5:30 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 17:30:49 -0400

General,

Thank you for your time. I have a short question for you. At what point in your career did you decide you wanted to become a well rounded Air Force leader instead of "just a pilot"?

Response by Brig Gen John Michel made Jun 30 at 2015 5:31 PM

Brig Gen John Michel — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 17:31:08 -0400

Apologize for the momentary bleak out...trapped in a 3 hour late last minute excursion into holding American Airlines flight.

Response by SPC George Rudenko made Jun 30 at 2015 10:35 PM

SPC George Rudenko — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 22:35:31 -0400

Why is there (seemingly) such a detachment between ranks and the management/leadership? If we randomly picked any battalion/wing/vessel would they recognize their leaders? Is it 'even important to leadership anymore to see their troops?

Response by TSgt Keith Wright made Jul 2 at 2015 3:42 PM

TSgt Keith Wright — Thu, 02 Jul 2015 15:42:17 -0400

Brigadier General John Michel, In creating a positive atmospher within the Military, is it possible to utilize the same verbage Harvard does regarding Mental Health, which is Mind Sciences. The Harvard School of Law and Mind Sciences is conducting significant research within Mind Sciences. Also what H.A.R.P discoverd on what the Human Body operates on which is 1.1 mghz, which then turns more into science and the chemestry of the human body rather then a more subjective nature towards psychology. As prejudice can instigate an incorrect diagnosis and create an enviroment where Members may feel alienated due to an incorrect diagnosis, or prejudice. With EEG integration with computers it is possible to operate a computer system with an EEG device. Which gives Mind Sciences a more concrete aproach.