Too Fat To Command?

Colonel Tim Bush was relieved of his command of the 319th Air Base Wing at Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D.,   The wing’s vice commander, Col. Christopher Mann, will serve as interim Commander until a replacement is chosen.   Colonel Burton was relieved of his command because of his waist size did not meet the fitness requirements.

Service members must meet certain physical criteria.  In addition to meeting the fitness requirements at the end of basic training, most Air Force personnel are required to stay fit and weight and waist size is assessed on a regular basis. Air Force personnel are required to retake the fitness test. Colonel  Bush was fired after failing the “waist measurement” portion of his physical fitness test. “Bush was not relieved for alleged misconduct or wrongdoing,” a statement issued by the Air Mobility Command said.

This decision was made by Major General William Bender, Air Force Expeditionary Center Commander.  Major General Bender oversees administrative control for six wings and two groups within Air Mobility Command, which includes the 319th Air Base Wing.   Colonel Bush is a 25-year Air Force veteran who will request retirement instead of accepting a demotion.

Colonel Timothy Bush is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy where he attained a general engineering degree.  Bush earned a senior pilot rating in 1988. Professionally, he has logged more than 2,100 flying hours in a variety of military aircraft.  He has served in combat and combat support missions in Bosnia, Afghanistan and Iraq. Colonel Bush has also served as a Presidential Advance Agent for Air Force One.

From January to May 2011, Colonel Bush served as the Deputy Director of mobility forces for US. Air Force Central Command from Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. His military decorations include the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal and Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters.

Tell us what you think.  Do you think Colonel Bush should have retained his command or agree that it was the correct decision to relieve Colonel Bush of his command?  Should someone with Colonel Bush’s excellent background been given additional opportunities to reduce his waist size and become more physically fit?  Should commanders lead by example?  We want to hear what you think on this controversial issue.