Strategic planning--get in the game Published Jan. 26, 2011 By Lt. Col. C. J. Bentley 934th Airlift Wing Minneapolis, St. Paul -- Does anyone remember the game "Stratego"? If you don't, here's a quick overview: As the name implies, it's a game of strategy, military strategy to be precise, a battle of wit, skill and strategy. Two opposing teams are made up of 33 military figures ranging from sergeant to general, six bombs and one flag. Each team uses various strategies in an attempt to capture the other team's flag. "Stratego" is a game with incomplete information and many variables. Collecting the information, planning, and strategic thinking all play an important role. There are choke points and restrictions, as well as moves to use to your advantage. Sequence of plays as well as placement of the various players is key. The winning player captures the flag based on his or her strategic efforts. The team with the best strategy wins the game. Similarly, our wing has a strategic plan including goals and objectives. There are many unknown variables encountered and choke points along the way. We are not always given all the information we need to make decisions. The 934th AW Strategic Plan is one that was developed with our long term goals in mind. It is our roadmap for where we want to go in to achieve our strategy. Knowing our wing mission and vision help put the strategy in place. Effective ways to utilize our wing members and resources is as important in our strategy as it is in the game of "Stratego". Each squadron has a copy of our strategic plan for the upcoming year. It was developed this fiscal year by the wing senior leadership, with inputs from the wing as a whole. The plan was published in January and includes our wing mission, vision, and motto. Mission: "Always ready to fly, fight and win." Vision: "Only the best....today and tomorrow." Motto: "Global Vikings" Victory awaits you. With the proper strategy, you are giving yourself the best chance of success.