Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Burt Field

Burt and I were classmates at the Zoo, class of 1979. We were also in the same pilot training class at Williams AFB. Our pilot training class was highly competitive for the available fighter slots. Our class was the first to have pilots go directly to fly the F-16. We got three F-16 slots, and Burt received one of those.

I was in the thick of the competition for a top tier (F-15 or F-16) assignment until I busted my formation flying check ride. I flew a perfect flight and then messed up the navigation back to the base, forcing the check pilot to fail me. I easily passed the check ride a couple days later, but that failed check ride meant that I went to fly OV-10s for three years before I got my F-16 assignment.

When I run into Burt I kid him that if I hadn't flunked that check ride, I might have taken his F-16 slot.

Click the picture below to watch the video or click HERE.

Summary from Long Blue Line:

Burt Field, a retired Lieutenant General and CEO of the Air and Space Forces Association, discussed his career and leadership philosophy. He highlighted his upbringing as an Air Force brat, his academic journey at the Air Force Academy, and his early leadership roles. Field emphasized the importance of continuous learning, effective communication, and avoiding being an "asshole" in leadership. He shared impactful experiences, such as leading during the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami, and the significance of family support. Field also discussed the Air and Space Forces Association's efforts in advocacy, education, and family resilience, stressing the need for strong national security and defense.

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