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Lessons from the Military: What Organizations Can Learn About Leadership and HR from the U.S. Air Force

  • Timshel Tarbet
  • Sep 1
  • 3 min read
Timshel’s transition from the Air Force into healthcare and enterprise leadership
Timshel’s transition from the Air Force into healthcare and enterprise leadership

Strong organizations don’t happen by chance—they’re built on leadership, accountability, and a people-first approach. Some of the most enduring lessons in these areas come from the U.S. military. For leaders navigating today’s challenges in healthcare, nonprofits, and enterprises, military principles offer valuable insights that strengthen both people and mission.


At Timshel Tarbet Consulting, our foundation in human resources and organizational leadership is deeply rooted in military service. From serving as a Personnel Specialist in the U.S. Air Force (1993–2001) to leading HR and transformation strategies in healthcare, Timshel brings a unique perspective: that when you invest in people, you strengthen the mission.


Service Record at a Glance

  • Enlisted in 1993, serving across South Carolina, Idaho, and Stuttgart, Germany.

  • Assigned to an Air Control Squadron—supporting specialized operations in personnel and HR systems.

  • Worked in joint command environments with the Army and Navy in Stuttgart.

  • Deployed during the Kosovo conflict, supporting mission-critical personnel operations.

  • Awarded the John Levito Award—the highest honor in Airman Leadership School, voted by peers and instructors.

  • Transitioned into healthcare and enterprise HR, building on her military foundation in personnel, labor relations, and compliance.


Military Principles That Strengthen Organizations

1. Discipline and Accountability

In the military, accountability is non-negotiable. Every individual knows their role and responsibility, and the system is designed to ensure follow-through. In organizations, adopting clear accountability structures reduces confusion and drives results.

2. People-First Leadership

The Air Force taught Timshel that missions succeed or fail based on how people are supported. HR systems that prioritize employee well-being, career development, and fair compensation build loyalty and performance.

3. Adaptability in High-Stakes Environments

Military operations require rapid responses to unpredictable challenges. Likewise, organizations that embrace flexibility and adaptability thrive in uncertain markets.

4. Mission Alignment

Every decision in the military connects back to the mission. Organizations can benefit from this clarity—aligning workforce strategy, risk management, and transformation goals to one unifying vision.

5. Recognition and Morale

Awards like the John Levito are more than accolades—they reinforce the value of leadership and contribution. Recognition systems in civilian organizations serve the same purpose: motivating and engaging employees.


Bringing Military Lessons into HR Strategy

Timshel’s transition from the Air Force into healthcare and enterprise leadership shows how seamlessly these lessons translate into HR consulting.

  • At Cambia Health Solutions, she built HR frameworks that streamlined compensation and strengthened employee trust.

  • At SCAN Health Plan, she supported workforce strategies that enabled membership growth of 40,000 members.

  • At Providence Health Plan, she applied lessons of accountability and adaptability to large-scale organizational transformation.

Each role reinforced a core truth: investing in people builds organizational resilience.


Why Work With a Veteran Business Consultant

Veteran consultants bring unique strengths to organizational strategy:

  • Proven Leadership Under Pressure – Military service tests leaders in high-stakes environments.

  • Structured HR Knowledge – Personnel management in the Air Force translates directly into human resources expertise.

  • Commitment to Integrity – Service instills a deep sense of ethics and accountability.

  • Mission-Driven Focus – Veterans understand how to align strategy, operations, and people with a unifying purpose.


Practical Takeaways for Organizations

Organizations can apply military-inspired lessons by:

  1. Building accountability into every role.

  2. Prioritizing workforce engagement and recognition.

  3. Preparing flexible strategies for uncertain conditions.

  4. Aligning goals and metrics with a clear mission.

  5. Investing in leadership development across all levels.


In Closing

Is your organization ready to strengthen leadership and people strategy? At Timshel Tarbet Consulting, we combine military lessons with decades of HR and executive leadership to help organizations build accountability, resilience, and mission-driven success.


Schedule a Consultation or join our newsletter for regular insights on HR and leadership strategy.

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