NUSAFM – THE SILENT FIXER

Exploring Human Factors: Insights and Emotional Testimony

NUSAFM, the National United States Armed Forces Museum, is committed to preserving military history and supporting veterans. Over the past thirty years, I have built my career as a civilian Flight Operations specialist in the aviation industry, earning my pilot’s license along the way, that took me to many African destinations. My interest in human factors—how individuals interact with both technology and one another—began early in my journey and was reinforced through formal education in psychometrics, aviation management, and law. However, it wasn’t until my own child served in the USMC that I truly grasped the deep importance of these concepts—a realization that inspires this week’s blog reflections.

Understanding Human Factors

Human factors focus on the complex interactions between people and the systems they use, especially in high-pressure situations. Crew Resource Management (CRM) is a set of training and operational strategies designed to improve teamwork and safety, not only in aviation but also in other high-risk professions. While traditionally linked to cockpit crews, the principles of CRM are equally vital for those working on the ground. Military personnel often endure hardships and emotional struggles that persist well after their service ends. This reality underscores the vital role organizations like NUSAFM play in fostering long-term healing and community support. Too often, attention is given only to immediate care, overlooking the gradual and ongoing journey toward recovery.

A Safety Perspective

Key psychological elements—such as communication, teamwork, and skill—directly influence the outcomes of our actions. FAA data shows that human error is responsible for 60%-80% of aviation accidents and incidents, highlighting the significant impact that emotional well-being can have on operational safety. The value of CRM in addressing these issues cannot be overstated. In every profession—especially those where lives are at stake—recognizing and managing human factors is essential.

Our workplaces are intricate and require ongoing hazard assessment, informed risk decisions, and effective safety controls. The safety chain is no stronger than its weakest

link, and pinpointing those weak spots demands both understanding and compassion. Many errors are rooted in deep psychological challenges, making teamwork crucial to recognizing and addressing potential risks.

Managing Human Factors

Human factors are ever-changing, with risk levels that can shift quickly. Staying alert to potential dangers is critical. Behaviors like disrespect can lead to feelings of inadequacy or emotional distress, which can ultimately undermine both performance and safety. Fear, anxiety, and social discomfort caused by trauma may require different types of intervention. While therapy is important, it is just as crucial to identify root causes and reshape our approach to comfort and recovery. Although human factors may never be completely “fixed,” they can be managed through empathy, timely assistance, and community involvement.

NUSAFM’s Role in Human Factors

The complexity of human factors makes them a challenging subject. When I witnessed NUSAFM’s approach to safety—an exemplary demonstration of human factors in action—I understood why so many who have completed their military service are drawn to organizations like this museum. Its impact is significant: by preserving stories of courage, unity, and the technology of past eras, NUSAFM offers a sense of home and belonging. This familiar setting not only connects veterans to their military roots but also provides a space for healing and restoration.

As an example, I refer to a video I watched about a volunteer at NUSAFM. His lifetime of service was impressive, but what resonated most was his journey toward reconnection and healing. The six-minute video, mentioned at the end of this blog, shows how his involvement at NUSAFM gave him a renewed sense of purpose. After struggling for years to adapt to civilian life, he found comfort in sharing his expertise and rekindling camaraderie among fellow volunteers. Tasks like restoring a helicopter or preparing museum equipment for emergency deployment provided him with personal growth and healing, demonstrating the museum’s dual role as a place of remembrance and renewal.

These experiences serve as a strong lesson for anyone engaging with NUSAFM—whether at events, on tours, or during daily operations—showing how quickly its members unite in service to their community, city, or nation. It also serves as a ‘welcome center’ for the families and friends of military volunteers, creating increased awareness of their lives of

duty. This collective spirit is a living example of effective human factors management and resilience.

At Ellington Airfield in Houston, the dedication of every branch of the Armed Forces is evident. The discipline, teamwork, and sacrifice seen in volunteer efforts reinforce the critical value of human factors management and timely intervention. In my experience, NUSAFM offers a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the power of discipline, empathy, and shared purpose.

Conclusion

After viewing numerous videos and learning about our organization’s impact, I have developed a deeper appreciation for how I can advocate for our mission and align myself—even as a civilian—with NUSAFM’s vision. That one six-minute video left a lasting impression, forever changing how I understand human factors and the forces that shape our actions.

In closing, I want to emphasize that NUSAFM is essential not just for restoring and preserving military equipment, but also for supporting the mental and emotional well-being of those who served. May Crew Resource Management (CRM) continue to inspire all those who seek to understand and enhance the human experience.

Blog by: Natasha Rheeders

NUSAFM Communications & Public Relations