In the Air Force, every Airman should consider their fellow Airmen as what?

Airmen are encouraged to consider their fellow Airmen as wingmen because this concept is deeply rooted in the Air Force's emphasis on teamwork, support, and mutual responsibility. Being a wingman signifies looking out for one another, fostering a culture of trust and camaraderie that enhances mission effectiveness and safety. The wingman concept encourages Airmen to be aware of each other's well-being, providing assistance, guidance, and support both professionally and personally. This mindset is crucial in building strong unit cohesion, as it aligns with the core values of the Air Force, which stress the importance of integrity, service, and excellence.

In contrast, viewing fellow Airmen as competitors can create a divisive environment that undermines teamwork. Considering them as colleagues is a more neutral position that does not fully capture the protective and supportive essence of the wingman philosophy. Additionally, seeing fellow Airmen as subordinates implies a hierarchy that detracts from the collaborative spirit that the wingman concept promotes.