‘Angel of Death’ Inspires Air Force Cadets with Leadership Lessons

Retired Air Force Col. Allison Black, renowned as the ‘Angel of Death’ for her role in directing airstrikes against Taliban fighters, recently addressed attendees at the Air Force Academy’s National Character and Leadership Symposium. Speaking to cadets and students from various military institutions, she shared insights from her 32-year career in Special Operations and the valuable lessons she gained through her combat experiences.

Black, with over 2,000 combat hours in aircraft such as the AC-130H Spectre Gunship, highlighted the significance of adaptability. She described how, following 9/11, U.S. forces needed to create new strategies for warfare in Afghanistan, a challenge that future officers will similarly encounter with changing global conflicts.

"As the U.S. braces for possible conflicts with Russia and China, the responsibility will rest on your shoulders," she told the audience. She emphasized the importance of teamwork, resilience, and learning from failure as essential components of military success.

In discussing women in the military, Black encouraged all service members, irrespective of gender, to surpass physical and academic standards, guaranteeing that their abilities are always beyond doubt. “Effective teams prioritize skills over gender or race,” she stated. “They seek individuals who are both mentally and physically ready.”

Her message to the cadets was unmistakable: embrace challenges, have faith in your team, and continuously adapt.

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