Remembering Brigadier General Malham Wakin

A Memorable Encounter

When I heard about the demise of Brigadier General (ret) Malham Wakin last week, his name rang a bell. As a new cadet at the Air Force Academy in 1968, I remember attending a lecture by the head of the Department of Philosophy, a colonel in his mid-30s. He was a short man with jet black hair, impeccably dressed in his uniform. An image from his obituary confirmed that this was indeed the man who had delivered that lecture over half a century ago. Although our paths never crossed again, that brief encounter left a lasting impression.

The Impact of a Lecture

Despite the passage of time, the memory of that lecture has stayed with me. Not because of any dramatic event or profound revelation, but due to the sheer power of the speaker. I can't recall the exact words of the lecture, but the passion with which Professor Wakin spoke about integrity as a crucial character trait left an indelible mark on all of us in the audience.

General Wakin's Accomplishments

General Wakin was not just a gifted speaker, but also a respected academic. In 1975, People Magazine named him as one of the "Twelve Great Professors". He authored two critically acclaimed books: Integrity First: Reflections of a Military Philosopher and War, Morality, and the Military Profession. His views on the responsibilities of the military profession were also published in an article in the Air Force Magazine in 1963, which he co-authored as a captain.

Values Worth More Than Life

The article argued for the need to integrate the roles of soldier, scholar, and athlete for duty, honor, and country. It emphasized the importance of commitment, intellectual and physical skills, and integrity in the military profession. The article also warned against the erosion of these values, a warning that seems all the more relevant today as we witness a decline in standards and truth-telling in both political and military leadership.

Role Models in the Military

During Dr. Wakin’s tenure at the Air Force Academy, faculty members were required to be active-duty military officers with advanced academic degrees. Dr. Wakin himself was a command navigator with combat experience and a PhD in philosophy from the University of California. His diverse experience served as an inspiration for cadets. Similarly, my interactions with two officers during my training played a significant role in shaping my character.

Lessons Learned from Tragedy

While at Hahn AFB in Germany, I was assigned to an F-4 squadron. My sponsor, Captain Tim Roels, who later became a Thunderbird, taught me the importance of leading by example. The following summer at the Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB, I met Buzz Aldrin and participated in research for the Space Shuttle reentry profile. My sponsor, Captain Dave Diefenbach, treated me as an equal. His tragic death in an aircraft accident served as a stark reminder of the risks associated with the profession.

The Importance of Integrity

Dr. Wakin often spoke about the conflict between materialism and duty, the dangers of fluid ethics, and the importance of role models. He believed that personal integrity was synonymous with moral capital. Unfortunately, the current lack of trust in the military is a reflection of the departure from traditional ethics and the inclusion of unqualified individuals in positions of power.

The Consequences of Eroding Standards

As standards decline, institutions like the Air Force Academy struggle to train committed cadets. The failure to adhere to the principles taught by Dr. Wakin has damaged the institution. Today, approximately 40% of the faculty at the academy are civilians, many with no military experience. This lack of experience hinders their ability to serve as effective role models. A degree alone is not enough to qualify someone to train the next generation of military leaders. Service in the operational military and the understanding that some commitments are worth more than life itself are essential.

Bottom Line

As we remember Brigadier General (ret) Malham Wakin, we must also remember the values he stood for. His teachings on integrity, commitment, and duty are as relevant today as they were over half a century ago. The erosion of these values not only undermines the military profession but also weakens our society. What are your thoughts on this? Share this article with your friends and sign up for the Daily Briefing at 6pm every day to stay informed.