Emotional Intelligence as a Mission Multiplier Published May 9, 2025 By TSgt. Brandon Dugan Maxwell AFB -- Picture for a moment—you’re enjoying time at home doing your favorite activity, whether it’s playing video games, working out, reading a book, or spending time with your family. Suddenly, you get a call from your supervisor. By the end of the call, your mind is scattered. You’re rushing to put on your uniform and head to work to get caught up on an emergency situation. One of your Airmen has just been arrested for assault after being found drunk and unresponsive on their living room floor. You don’t have many details, but you know the next couple of months are going to be hectic. A week later, you have your first face-to-face with the individual after they are released on bail. The questions come rapid fire amid tears and sobs of regret. “What is going to happen to my career? Are they going to kick me out? What about my kid? When can I see them again? Does the rest of the squadron know?” The questions go on and on. Your heart rate climbs as you realize that no one prepared you for this part of the job. What do you do? How do you respond? This is where emotional intelligence becomes essential. Emotional Intelligence (EI), often dismissed as a "soft skill," has emerged as a mission-critical attribute in today’s high-stakes operational environment. In the U.S. Air Force, where Airmen operate advanced weapon systems, process real-time intelligence, work long hours on the flight line, and make split-second decisions, EI is no longer optional—it's essential. When deliberately developed and applied, emotional intelligence becomes a force multiplier: enhancing leadership, strengthening cohesion, and ultimately improving mission outcomes.[1] EI is the ability to perceive, interpret, demonstrate, control, evaluate, and use emotions effectively and constructively. It includes four core components: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management.[2] While these competencies are widely recognized in the civilian world, they remain under-emphasized in the Air Force, where leadership has traditionally leaned on technical proficiency, rank, and authority. But in today's evolving operational environment—shifting from counterterrorism to great power competition—the demands on Airmen are higher than ever. In emerging fields like remote warfare, cyber operations, and agile combat employment, technical excellence is expected. It is no longer the marker of exceptional leadership. What distinguishes great leaders now is their ability to recognize, understand, and manage their own emotions, while effectively responding to the emotions of others. These emotionally intelligent leaders build trust, prevent burnout, and maintain cohesion under stress.[3] Let’s return to that opening scenario. Emotional intelligence might look like this: First, you recognize your own emotions. You acknowledge your nervousness, take a deep breath, and affirm to yourself, “I’ve got this.” Then you empathize. You don’t have to fix everything—your job is to be present. You actively listen. You validate their emotions and acknowledge the difficulty of their situation. You assure them they’re not alone. As the Airman begins to calm, you collaboratively create a course of action to address their questions and support their recovery. Your application of EI not only de-escalates the moment but builds trust and confidence in your leadership. Trust is the bedrock of any unit’s effectiveness, and emotional intelligence fosters that trust by prioritizing human connection. Not in place of discipline, but alongside it. Emotionally intelligent leaders don’t lower standards—they elevate them through consistency, respect, and empathy. This is especially vital in today’s diverse, joint-force teams, where communication styles and interpersonal norms vary widely. Leaders who can read the room, speak to their people as individuals, and regulate their own emotional tone create safer, more resilient environments. In my experience as a flight chief and interim First Sergeant, I witnessed how EI bridged the gap between high performers and struggling Airmen. When people believe their leaders genuinely care, they are more likely to stay, grow, and contribute meaningfully. Moreover, emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in the Air Force’s ongoing efforts to combat mental health challenges and reduce suicides. Programs like ASIST, suicide prevention training, SAPR, and resiliency education all benefit from facilitators who are emotionally aware—those who notice when something is off, who listen without judgment, and who foster a culture where seeking help is a strength, not a stigma.[4] Fortunately, emotional intelligence isn’t reserved for a gifted few. It is a teachable, learnable skill set that can and should be embedded in every level of Air Force professional development. That begins with PME. Whether at ALS, NCOA, or SNCOA, we should dedicate more time to EI-focused content: conflict resolution, active listening, and scenario-based training. When instructors model EI, they reinforce its value as a core leadership trait, not an optional extra. Mentorship also provides fertile ground for EI development. Mentors who practice self-awareness and empathy guide with authenticity. They help mentees navigate both career challenges and personal growth. At the unit level, EI can be reinforced through simple, consistent actions: genuinely checking in on Airmen, conducting after-action reviews that include emotional context, and encouraging feedback in all directions. Even in combat environments, EI matters. It’s in how we brief and debrief, how we offer correction, and how we spot when a peer is emotionally overwhelmed. So how do we build a force ready for the next fight? We start by shaping leaders who are not only technically skilled but emotionally intelligent. The battlefield is changing. Future conflicts will demand critical thinking, adaptability, and leaders who understand the human domain as well as the operational one. The next time you get that phone call—the one that pulls you from comfort into chaos—let emotional intelligence be your most reliable asset. TSgt. Brandon Dugan is a current active duty Airmen with 10 years of enlisted experience. He served 6 years as an Aerospace Ground Equipment maintainer then retrained to an MQ-9 Sensor Operator. He is currently stationed at Hurlburt Field, FL. He holds a B.A. from Toccoa Falls College and a M.A. in Military Studies from Liberty University. [1] Goleman, Daniel. Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. New York: Bantam Books, 1995 [2] Bradberry, Travis, and Jean Greaves. Emotional Intelligence 2.0. San Diego: TalentSmart, 2009 [3] Salovey, Peter, and John D. Mayer. "Emotional Intelligence." Imagination, Cognition and Personality 9, no. 3 (1990): 185–211. [4] U.S. Air Force. AFI 90-5001: Integrated Resilience. Washington, D.C., 2023.