After dodging storms for 20 minutes, there was a break in the weather. I heard a crackling transmission from Brother Bruce, the Island liaison/radio operator for Operation Christmas Drop: “SANTA71, cleared to drop!” It was time to start the airdrop run-in. It was a moment of both excitement and nerves, as the success of the mission depended on our ability to deliver critical supplies to a remote island suffering from a rare fever outbreak…
🎄A Heartwarming Tradition: The Beginnings of Operation Christmas Drop
As we flew over the Micronesian atolls, I couldn’t help but think about the incredible history of Operation Christmas Drop. It all began in 1952 with a random act of kindness, when a WB-29 Superfortress crew dropped a care package for islanders in the spirit of Christmas. Since then, the operation has grown and continued every year, providing critical supplies to Micronesian islanders. One of the crowning achievements of any C-130 crewmembers career is participating in “Operation Christmas Drop.” It is such an awesome experience that Netflix decided to make a movie about it.
🪂 Setback on a Mission
During one mission, I faced a setback where the parachutes attached to the presents broke which was caused by the extraction force from the airplane causing the presents, food, & clothes to be lost in the ocean. Our entire crew was disappointed as we knew there would be little chance to resupply this island. We received an urgent call to return to base. It was a very quiet one hour flight back to Anderson Air Force Base. We were told to leave our engines running and a special package would be delivered to our plane.
💊 The Critical Package
The mission commander for the operation onboarded the aircraft and he shouted instructions that this special package of medicine be airdropped to a nearby island that had been suffering from a rare case of dengue fever. I was nervous about the criticality of the situation and the potential consequences if I failed.
🛫 Using the FAT-T Method
To overcome this challenge, I used a focus technique called FAT-T (Fly to something, Altitude, Time, Threat) that I learned during my initial training. This technique helped me to stay focused and complete the mission successfully, delivering the medicine to a grateful group of people. I still use FAT-T as a project management tool today, as it enables leaders to drive change and successfully complete missions.
✈️ The FAT-T Method
The FAT-T method, which stands for Fly, Altitude, Time, and Threat, is a technique that can help leaders focus and make quick decisions in high-pressure situations.
🚀 Fly to something
The first step, Fly, encourages leaders to keep moving and focus on a specific target. This is essential in allowing time to analyze a situation and make informed decisions.
🌎 Altitude
Altitude, the second step, highlights the importance of gaining a broad perspective and understanding of a situation before diving into the details. By gaining a 10-mile view of the situation, leaders can better understand the overall context and make informed decisions.
🕰️ Time
The third step, Time, emphasizes the importance of considering time constraints and making decisions based on urgency. Whether it is slowing down to analyze data or accelerating to meet a tight deadline, leaders must understand the criticality of the situation and respond accordingly.
👀 Threat
Finally, Threat identifies potential vulnerabilities and highlights the importance of proactively addressing them. This step helps leaders anticipate and mitigate risks, allowing them to focus on their mission and deliver the desired outcome.
🤝 Conclusion
The successful delivery of medicine during Operation Christmas Drop is a testament to the importance of embracing change and adapting to new circumstances. By utilizing the FAT-T method, leaders can stay focused and make informed decisions, leading to successful outcomes and improved project management skills. So, next time you face a setback on a project, remember Brother Bruce’s radio transmission of “cleared to drop” and the lessons of the FAT-T method. With determination, focus, and the right tools, you too can overcome any obstacle and deliver successful outcomes.
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