Leadership With a Penalty
The old saying goes “They only send screw ups to Thule” …….which is an Air Force base in Greenland and the most northern and coldest base the US has; where the sun remains below the horizon from late October through mid-February (100 days of continual nighttime) .
I was designated as a screwup and got sent there. How did I screw up?
I was a Lieutenant as Assistant Chief Security Police at Kingsley Field, Oregon. It was a 101 Jet fighter outfit near Klamath Falls in southern Oregon. We were also responsible for securing a nuclear storage area on the base. I was stationed there from Feb 1962 to Jan 1965. This was during the years President Kennedy was assassinated and Senator Barry Goldwater was campaigning for President.
On March 23,1963 I got a call at 3 am to report immediately to base. A no-notice Operational Readiness Inspection had just been declared. This was my first “war game” experience. My boss, a Major, was away on leave so I was in charge of the operation with about 200 security policemen.
The minute I arrived at the base my Senior Master Sergeant asked if he could see me in my office.
He quickly briefed me and said “Sir we can handle this one of two ways. First I will of course follow whatever orders you give. Secondly, if you let me run the show and stay close to me I will get you through this inspection with flying colors!” He had 23 years’ experience and I had one so my immediate response was, “Sarge I hope all my decisions will be this easy, you’re in charge and I will learn from you! He nodded and said, “Let’s go!”
Two days later we passed the inspection with the highest rating they give. My inspector, Major Ralph Fisher complemented me for the way I respected and learned from my men.
In October 1963 I got a call from the captain in charge of the Base Personnel Office. He said, “One of your guys gave me a speeding ticket and I would appreciate it if you could get me out of it”. I asked him if he was speeding and he admitted he was. I said, “So you are asking me to not support my guy who did the right thing?”.
His response was direct, “Oh come on Hayden you have to learn how to play the game to get ahead”. I said it was not a game to me when the respect of my men is at stake. Then I explained that as a leader of my men, I will not squash the ticket. He said something very demeaning and not worth repeating, and hung up.
About 4 months later I received orders to go to Thule in Greenland, and to report on Feb 4,1965. Vindication at its best. I immediately called Major Fisher at Headquarters in D.C. After I explained what happened. His answer was “I can get you out of it and have the orders rescinded, however it would look good on your record if you would go…….so think about it overnight and call me in the morning with your answer.
I called and told him I was packing my bags. He said, “ I think you made the right decision”, then said” when your tour is up in Greenland I will get you the best assignment available when you come back, just don’t freeze your ass off up there!”
Looking back today, I believe firmly that the year in Greenland was one of the best years of my life…thanks crooked Captain.
The assignment Major Fisher got for me was Assistant Chief of Security and Law Enforcement for the entire 4th Air Force at Hamilton AIR FORCE Base in Marin County, CA. 30 minutes north of San Francisco. It was like the country club of the Air Force.
As I was finishing that assignment I was promoted to Major. Not bad for a screw up!!
