Protocol protects military heritage Published May 7, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Madelyn Ottem 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Behind every military ceremony, banquet and distinguished visitor trip, there is a team of perfectionists working long and irregular hours to ensure an Air Force standard of "excellence in all we do" is maintained. The Travis Protocol team bustles around base at any given time, stays behind the scenes and has a keen attention to detail. "We help represent Travis and the Air Force at large, reaching more than just flag officers and distinguished visitors," said Phil Caldwell, 60th Air Mobility Wing chief of protocol. "Protocol is about building bridges and connecting the past with the present." Many military ceremonies are based off tradition, meaning there are bound to be many customs and courtesies that, if not followed precisely, can cheapen the value of the ceremony. It is Protocol's responsibility to protect that military heritage. "With change being the seemingly only constant today, it is important we nevertheless maintain Air Force traditions and honor," Caldwell said. The Protocol team is an agency that never works alone, they must coordinate with a point of contact to make sure the POC's vision for that event becomes a reality. "We are only as good as our points of contact," Caldwell said. "Fortunately, the desire to deliver success is not rare." According to Caldwell, Protocol supports the entire base and wants to actively support every event. Oftentimes, however, they have to resign themselves to be a source of guidance versus action officers. Any Air Force Specialty Code is eligible for this one-year assignment. Individuals are hand-selected for this special duty. Caldwell recalls how the job slows down for no one, even when new Airmen need to be trained. "I remember frenzying on uneaten chocolate chip cookies at the lounge after distinguished visitors have departed, followed closely by imparting the Protocol skill sets on other Airmen," he said. For Caldwell, a man seasoned in the art of protocol, the never-ending fast pace of the job provides great reward. "There is never a dull moment and every day is different," he said. "Where else do you get to host the secretary of defense as well as the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff in a single day?" Although it's rare to spot these behind-the-scenes workers in action, the energy and effort that goes into every base event is easily seen when the event is executed smoothly. Integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do are all requirements to running a successful Protocol shop, Caldwell said. Despite the demands of the job, attitude is essential. It is everything in Protocol. Caldwell's recipe for success: Once you earn credibility, work even harder to maintain it.