An Interview with Maj. Gen. Alexis T. Lum

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following interview with Maj. Gen. Alexis T. Lum, state adjutant general, was conducted shortly after annual training 1983.

Pūpūkahi: General Lum, having served in the Department of Defense’s top position for more than four months now, what are your impressions about the department, its divisions and people?

Maj. Gen. Lum: Before I answer your question, let me say that I am still learning and formulating impressions. The Air National Guard is a new experience and so is State Civil Defense. So, first the department. I find the diversity of missions and requirements to be very stimulating and challenging. As far as first impressions, the department is capable of meeting both its federal and state missions.

As far as the divisions go, let me first address the Army National Guard. Because I know the people and programs as well as I do, I am confident that the large changeover of key senior officers because of recent retirements will not cause any serious problems. Strength increases in the past few months will improve training and enhance readiness of the 29th Infantry Brigade; however, this will not show up for the next couple of years. Headquarters Installation Command will continue to improve its readiness levels and will acquire new taskings for mobilization support roles.

As for the Air National Guard, my impressions and expectations are very high. Planning is moving in the right direction to upgrade equipment and effectiveness of all units with new and expanding mobilization missions.

State Civil Defense is my third division, and it is being revitalized by new ideas and initiatives. The area of National Guard support to civil authorities is being clarified and new operations plans have been published with definitive checklists delineating responsibilities.

As far as our people are concerned, I have been impressed by their dedication and interest in mission accomplishment. I am referring to people across the board—federal and state employees, including all civilian and military personnel, and most especially our dedicated corps of drill status personnel.

Pūpūkahi: During the Army Guard’s annual training (AT ’83), you were seen out in the field just about every day. Do you plan to continue visiting the various units of the Hawaii Army and Air National Guard?

Maj. Gen. Lum: Definitely. As I have stated many times in the past and continually express to commanders, our primary role as leaders is to prepare our personnel to survive on the modern battlefield if the need ever arises. In order to do this, we must train units that are at the highest state of military readiness possible in a pre-mobilization posture.

So in order to personally sense the state or levels of training and better understand problem areas, it is imperative that I visit as many units as my schedule will permit. I intend to do this not only during training, but also during the normal workday.

Pūpūkahi: What do you expect from your commanders, staff members and especially the individual soldier and airman?

Maj. Gen. Lum: I expect commanders to be leaders, show initiative, use the chain of command, and above all take care of their people. I expect staff members to do complete work, which involves thorough research, logical evaluation, and provide their commanders with sound recommendations based on mature judgment.

As for the individual Guard member, I expect to see the initiative to learn his or her particular MOS or AFSC and the desire to be a team member. In general, I expect everyone to be professional, establish high performance and ethical standards and strive to improve the readiness of his/her unit.

Pūpūkahi: According to your biography, you were first drafted into the Army in 1945. You later received your commission through the University of Hawaii ROTC program in 1950, and since then have worked your way up to the top position in the Hawaii National Guard. What advice or guidance do you have for the first-team enlisted member or junior officer in the National Guard?

Maj. Gen. Lum: My advice for the first-team enlisted members would be to learn their jobs, try to understand their NCOs and leaders, and take interest and pride in their units. Above all, participate in all activities and really become part of the team.

For the junior officer, I would say to understand and develop a sense of duty and responsibility. Live up to the trust and confidence placed in you as officers. If you serve well and are faithful to yourselves and our Guard members, then you can expect the success that goes with it.

Pūpūkahi: In order for any organization, such as the National Guard, to function and interface well with the Army or Air Force, it is often said that this is only accomplished on a personal basis, from its commanders down to the individual airman or soldier. Do you have any particular way or manner that you expect the individual airman or soldier to conduct themselves?

Maj. Gen. Lum: I feel this question can be answered with one word—PROFESSIONALISM, but I can see you want more detail. I am referring to personal standards of appearance, conduct and job performance. For the officers and NCOs, it becomes important to socialize with your contemporaries in the active components in order to know them better. Professionalism also includes taking your job seriously and completing each task the best way you know how.

Pūpūkahi: What areas in the National Guard do you plan to increase or decrease emphasis in? Do you plan any change in the direction the National Guard is presently going?

Maj. Gen. Lum: Presently, the Hawaii National Guard is making good progress toward attaining readiness objectives. However, there are a couple of directed areas of interest that will be emphasized and those are physical fitness and weight control. We are going to have to stress these two areas in concert with the Army and Air Force. In general, I do not see any major shifts in direction other than stressing professionalism and requiring leaders to be responsible or accountable for their actions.

– 1983 Fall Pūpūkahi pp. 2