VDF Commander’s Fall 2024 Update: We Must Learn to Trust

In the last commander’s update, I shared the Virginia Defense Force is in its constant pursuit of excellence. It requires each one of us to embrace a transformational change to ensure our ability to be relevant and responsive to the current and future needs of our great Commonwealth and the Virginia National Guard.

As leaders in the VDF, we must ensure everything we do as an organization aligns to our mission: Alignment provides the guardrails to ensure how we train and what we do supports the VNG mission. Agility was the second area of focus, and that is the ability to adapt quickly and effectively to a changing environment, changing needs and then do so effectively.

In this update, I want to expand on a key trait that is essential to our success: Trust. Many of you have heard the saying “you must earn my trust.”  Or in practice, we micro-manage our team because we don’t want anything screwed up.

I propose that if we really want to grow as an organization, we learn to trust others and give our trust before it is earned. As a leader, it is scary to give trust because something could go wrong and you might look bad. But by giving trust, you are encouraging imitative and creating a culture for success.

Giving trust before it is earned is playing the long game.  In no way does giving trust absolve leaders from providing guidance or supervising. The 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps said that relationship between senior to subordinate should be like that of a father to a son. As a father, we want our children to grow, mature and succeed.

As we embrace learning to give trust, and as we focus on our ability to transform into a more agile force, we will confirm that we as an organization are aligned to the vision and mission of the Commonwealth and the National Guard. I ask each of you to never forget the following:

– Be the epitome of military virtue in your heart, mind and being: This means to be professional in everything you do. Ensure your uniform looks sharp, you know your customs and courtesies, you establish the highest standards of fitness, and be an expert in your specific skill, so when called upon to serve, you are ready.

– Lead with Integrity: Integrity is at the heart of everything we doand is the foundation of trust. Integrity requires courage to achieve its result and is only as good as the deep commitment and conviction you have to your belief and values. We must possess and adhere to a moral compass that serves others before self.

– Lead by Example: Your actions speak louder than words and how you live is the embodiment of your values.

– Empower Others: A true leader will empower and trust their team to reach their full potential, and you should support them and give them what they need to excel. In helping them grow, you will develop a strong and resilient team capable of accomplishing more than they ever thought possible.

– Show Empathy: Each member of our team is unique with different strengths and weaknesses. Embrace those differences and help each other as we also find ways to care for each other’s families and ensure they are part of this journey.  Remember – we can be kind and strong at the same time.

I want to personally thank every member of the VDF and their families.  Each of you are seeking to better yourself and those in your formation. Your contribution and efforts are building a legacy for the VDF that is founded in trust and service to others before self.  I thank each of you personally for the enormity of your contribution!

To every member of the Force and your families, I remain Semper Fedelis,

Brig. Gen. (Va) Rich Diddams
Commander
Virginia Defense Force