Notes, Chapter 15

AFH-1 1 Nov 2024

15.5. Communication as a Foundational Competency

Communication (oral, written, and nonverbal) is critical throughout a USAF career. Recognized as a foundational competency, the USAF has defined effective communication to include diverse skills such as:

Presenting complex information articulately and concisely

Tailoring communication to address concerns of the audience

Voicing differing opinions on contentious issues without triggering a defensive response

Attending to non-verbal cues, and communicating with sensitivity to others' needs

AFH-1 15 Feb 2025

15.5. Communication as a Foundational Competency

Communication (oral, written, and nonverbal) is critical throughout a USAF career. Recognized as a foundational competency, the USAF has defined effective communication to include skills such as:

Presenting complex information articulately and concisely

Tailoring communication to address concerns of the audience

Voicing differing opinions on contentious issues without triggering a defensive response

Attending to non-verbal cues, and communicating with sensitivity to others' needs

AFH-1 1 Nov 2024

15.27. Basic Communication Tips

Beginning any communication with basic communication tips in mind and being mindful of others when speaking and listening will enhance communication skills in any environment. Some basic military communication tips that can be used in any setting are provided here.

Rank. Differences in military rank can be a barrier (real or perceived) to communication in the USAF. Many of us instinctively communicate differently with those senior in rank than we do with those with those who are junior in rank. We must constantly strive to be candid, direct, and respectful with everyone we communicate with.

Jargon. Do not overestimate the knowledge and expertise of others when it comes to jargon. Be careful with excessive use of career-field specific jargon and acronyms, but feel free to use jargon when appropriate. As the speaker, it is your responsibility to ensure your communication is understandable.

Be Inclusive. Remember our diverse force. Sometimes we inadvertently exclude members of our audience by falling into communication traps involving references to race, religion, ethnicity, or sex. Remember this concept when designing visual support as well. Adhering to good taste and sensitivity will keep your message credible and ensure you reach your audience.

Tone. Tone is not just what you say, but how you say it. Use of tone can be valuable when enhancing a message, but it can be difficult to portray in written communication. Speakers use gestures, voice, and movements to communicate; writers do not. Emojis ? do not have a place in written formal communication. Recognize the limitations of expressing tone through written communication and pay close attention to how the message may be perceived.

Courtesy. The first rule of communicating courteously is being polite. Forego anger, criticism, and sarcasm, and strive to be reasonable and persuasive. Be patient and tactful, regardless of the challenges of delivering a message. If you have to, push back from the computer, take a deep breath, slowly count to 10, then review your message to ensure it is professional and courteous.

Make it Personal. When appropriate, use pronouns, such as we, us, and our, to create rapport and keep your audience involved. Using pronouns also keeps your message from being monotonous, dry, and abstract. Use I, me, and my sparingly, and be aware of how the use of you can be perceived in some situations.

Formal. "Good morning, Sir." versus informal "Hey" or "What's up?" is always the more professional approach to greeting or addressing someone. While in today's USAF much communication among peers will be informal, it is essential to recognize, particularly during events and ceremonies, when formal, professional communication is appropriate.

Be Positive. Cultivate a positive message and give praise where praise is due. Rather than focusing on problem areas, optimism can encourage acceptance of a message. Also, encourage and be receptive to criticism in the form of helpful questions, suggestions, requests, recommendations, or information. Audiences often sense and appreciate sincerity and honesty.

AFH-1 15 Feb 2025

15.27. Basic Communication Tips

Beginning any communication with basic communication tips in mind and being mindful of others when speaking and listening will enhance communication skills in any environment. Some basic military communication tips that can be used in any setting are provided here.

Rank. Differences in military rank can be a barrier (real or perceived) to communication in the USAF. Many of us instinctively communicate differently with those senior in rank than we do with those with those who are junior in rank. We must constantly strive to be candid, direct, and respectful with everyone we communicate with.

Jargon. Do not overestimate the knowledge and expertise of others when it comes to jargon. Be careful with excessive use of career-field specific jargon and acronyms, but feel free to use jargon when appropriate. As the speaker, it is your responsibility to ensure your communication is understandable.

DELETED.

Tone. Tone is not just what you say, but how you say it. Use of tone can be valuable when enhancing a message, but it can be difficult to portray in written communication. Speakers use gestures, voice, and movements to communicate; writers do not. Emojis ? do not have a place in written formal communication. Recognize the limitations of expressing tone through written communication and pay close attention to how the message may be perceived.

Courtesy. The first rule of communicating courteously is being polite. Forego anger, criticism, and sarcasm, and strive to be reasonable and persuasive. Be patient and tactful, regardless of the challenges of delivering a message. If you have to, push back from the computer, take a deep breath, slowly count to 10, then review your message to ensure it is professional and courteous.

Make it Personal. When appropriate, use pronouns, such as we, us, and our, to create rapport and keep your audience involved. Using pronouns also keeps your message from being monotonous, dry, and abstract. Use I, me, and my sparingly, and be aware of how the use of you can be perceived in some situations.

Formal. "Good morning, Sir." versus informal "Hey" or "What's up?" is always the more professional approach to greeting or addressing someone. While in today's USAF much communication among peers will be informal, it is essential to recognize, particularly during events and ceremonies, when formal, professional communication is appropriate.

Be Positive. Cultivate a positive message and give praise where praise is due. Rather than focusing on problem areas, optimism can encourage acceptance of a message. Also, encourage and be receptive to criticism in the form of helpful questions, suggestions, requests, recommendations, or information. Audiences often sense and appreciate sincerity and honesty.

AFH-1 1 Nov 2024

15.34. The Internet

Inappropriate Use. Using the internet for other than official or authorized purposes may result in adverse administrative or disciplinary action. The following uses are specifically prohibited.

Use of federal government communications systems for unauthorized personal use.

Uses that would adversely reflect on the Department of Defense or the USAF, such as chain letters, unofficial soliciting, or selling except on authorized internet-based capabilities established for such use.

Unauthorized storing, processing, displaying, sending, or otherwise transmitting prohibited content: pornography, sexually explicit or sexually oriented material, nudity, hate speech or ridicule of others on the basis of protected class (e.g., race, creed, religion, color, age, sex, disability, national origin), gambling, illegal weapons, militancy/extremist activities, terrorist activities, use for personal gain, and any other content or activities that are illegal or inappropriate.

AFH-1 15 Feb 2025

15.34. The Internet

Inappropriate Use. Using the internet for other than official or authorized purposes may result in adverse administrative or disciplinary action. The following uses are specifically prohibited.

Use of federal government communications systems for unauthorized personal use.

Uses that would adversely reflect on the Department of Defense or the USAF, such as chain letters, unofficial soliciting, or selling except on authorized internet-based capabilities established for such use.

Unauthorized storing, processing, displaying, sending, or otherwise transmitting prohibited content: pornography, sexually explicit or sexually oriented material, nudity, hate speech or ridicule of others, gambling, illegal weapons, militancy/extremist activities, terrorist activities, use for personal gain, and any other content or activities that are illegal or inappropriate.