Disciplined Initiative

In the previous post, I wrote about the decision to deviate from policy in the spirit of “operating from a position of integrity.” In 2013, the Coast Guard’s Vice Commandant (second in command of the service), Admiral John Currier, published a journal article in Proceedings (a publication of the Naval Institute) titled “Risk Management for the Proficient Operator.” In the article, Admiral Currier introduced a term that is a cornerstone of OPI, disciplined initiative. 

He wrote, “While in command at both the unit and district levels, I often described (disciplined initiative) as such: If you are conducting a Coast Guard mission in a leadership position, whether a coxswain, aircraft commander, patrol boat skipper, marine inspector or otherwise, you are duty bound to follow doctrine, policy, TTP, and other guidance. If due to extreme conditions on-scene initiative calls for a deviation, you must pay due diligence to risk management and develop a well-thought plan of action. If bad things happen while you are conducting a proper mission in a professional manner, leadership at all levels will stand behind you. You are clearly operating in the regime of warranted risk. However, if you choose to operate in the realm of unwarranted risk, perhaps disregarding doctrine, regulations, navigation rules, or other guidance in a high risk/low gain situation and bad things happen, you can expect a level of personal and professional accountability since you have failed in your role as leader.”

For decades, Coast Guard aviators have operated in extreme conditions. We recognize that doctrine cannot cover all circumstances and, as a community, we’ve written this sentiment into our policy. For example, one of the foundational pieces of doctrine for Coast Guard Aviators is found in the beginning of the Air Operations Manual (COMDTINST M3710.1 series). It states:

“In the operational environment, mission demands may require onscene deviation from prescribed Instructions or Policy when, in the judgement of the Pilot-in-Command (PIC), such deviation is necessary for flight safety or the saving of human life. Such deviation must not be taken lightly and must be tempered by maturity and a complete understanding of the aircraft, mission, and crew.”

As a chief pilot, I wanted our helicopter aircrews to be reminded daily that to operate from a position of integrity, they must seek a complete understanding of the aircraft, mission, and crew. Furthermore, they must have in depth knowledge of our instructions and policy, and be disciplined in adhering to it. However, if a deviation was necessary for safety of flight or would result in a reasonable chance of saving a life, and there were no suitable alternative means of rescue, they were wholly empowered to execute disciplined initiative and operate outside of policy for only as long as necessary.

I think these are outstanding principles to apply to our everyday lives.  As the PIC of your life, you must be curious and inquisitive in order to create a set of instructions and policies (virtues and morals) by which to live. That said, there will be exceptional circumstances under which you must deviate from these standards for the greater good.  These deviations should not be taken lightly, should be tempered by maturity and a complete understanding of the situation, and should be as brief as possible so that you return to your standards as soon as the situation warrants. This is operating from a position of integrity with disciplined initiative. – Spiral up