Publisher's Synopsis
Funny and insightful at the same time! This easy to read book is full of observations, lessons, and short stories about life and leadership from a real fighter pilot. Written in a way that can be enjoyed two minutes at a time or cover to cover in a single sitting. Perfect for any coffee table, nightstand or bathroom. - Have a firm handshake and look people in the eye. Do you remember that weenie with a limp handshake? The one that kept his eyes on the ground? Of course you remember that guy - people remember that kind of stuff...it makes a difference. - Don't say you can't if you haven't tried...in fact, never say "can't." I don't believe in "can't..".I never have. In the early years this translated to an attitude, and an approach. These days, I brief all my subordinates that I never want to hear can't from them, period. The example I like to use is this: If I tell you I want to have a meeting on the moon I don't want to hear, 'Sir we can't do that.' I want to hear, 'Yes Sir, we'll have a meeting on the moon. It will take us about 4 years to organize and approximately $500K/year in operating expenses, as well as $9.5M for the execution.' Of course we can, let's look at the required level of effort and associated costs and decide if it's worth it. Colonel Brian Delamater began his career flying the F-16 upon graduation from the US Air Force Academy and completion of Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training. He quickly found that Fighter Squadrons have a strict mission debrief etiquette to ensure the salient lessons from each mission are captured. As a young Lieutenant, Col Delamater adopted this mission debrief mentality to his every day life. After more then twenty years in Air Force and 2,000 hours in the F-16, to include almost 200 hours of combat time over Iraq and Bosnia, Colonel Delamater became the Commander of Air Force ROTC at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. In this capacity he was responsible for preparing the next generation of young Lieutenants and found himself referring to his old notes and lessons on more than one occasion. Eventually, he compiled those notes into this "Fighter Pilot's Guide" in order to have something he could pass on to some of the Air Force's newest officers. Although originally geared toward young adults and officers, the lessons captured in this guide resonate with men and women of all ages, and all walks of life."
