Let’s face it…the Air Force isn’t for everyone. And that could mean you! You’ve heard me say it time and time again that I loved the Air Force. It was a great life, but through the years I’ve ran into Airman that had no business being in. So, with that…let me help you out in your decision to join or not.
Sign: You think you are someone special
I really want you to hear me loud and clear on this…you are not special! I know that may come as a shock for some of you but here is the cold honest truth: you are just a number in the AF.
There are some people (Airman included) that will read that last statement and cringe. That’s okay. To be honest it makes me cringe as well. BUT, I promise you that the Secretary of the Air Force, Chief of Staff, and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force are not thinking of you individually.
Now with that, it should be said that it is the duty of your supervisor to think of you as an individual and have an investment in you personally. I’ve had some great supervisors and leadership that have really made me feel “special” because they took an active part in my career. If you don’t have anyone in your chain of command that fit this bill, then take some time and find a mentor outside of your chain to pour into you and your career.
Remember though, thinking that you are someone special doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have pride in yourself. Having pride in yourself is a sign that the Air Force IS for you.
Sign: You are only joining because of education
Don’t get me wrong, education is great! But, when your goal for education blinds you to what your duty in the Air Force is, then you are in the wrong.
To become certified as a Emergency Actions Controller in my career field (1C3X1), I had to stand before the Wing Commander (WG/CC) and he would ask a series of questions about our job. One of the questions was if I had any objections to the use of nuclear weapons in defense of our nation and if we had to use them, would I be able to perform my duties.
I proudly said yes on both counts and the WG/CC signed off on my certification paperwork. I took that question very seriously and I still find pride in my answer today.
Fast-forward. I worked with a young Airman that made a comment that if it ever came down to it then they wouldn’t perform their job. When I asked why, they said it was because they didn’t sign up to drop nuclear weapons…they signed up for education.
Mind blown!
You might take a few seconds examining the OATH of enlistment you’ll take when you join and every time you re-enlist.
I, ___________, do solemnly swear (or affirm)
that I will support and defend the
Constitution of the United States against all enemies,
foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same;
and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States
and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according
to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
So help me God.
Sign: You have a no respect for authority
This should be a given. From the moment you talk to a recruiter and head off to Basic Training, you are met head on with authority. Expect the same thing throughout your career and your life.
See the oath of enlistment above and see the “…will obey the orders…” part.
Sign: You are not teachable
If you think you know everything you are in a world for hurt in the Air Force. You’ll be reminded daily that you actually know nearly nothing! The ability to be taught is probably one of the most underrated qualities any Airman can have, enlisted or officer.
So, put your pride away, open your ears, and shut your mouth unless it is to ask a question. If you do this, then you will have a very successful career in the Air Force, and some day you’ll be the one teaching the next generation Airman.
Sign: You think you’ll never go to war
I’ve heard from Airman already in and young folks just about to join the reason they joined is because the Air Force isn’t in combat as much as the other branches. I just shake my head and remind them of what the less politically correct mission statement is of the Air Force is.
“To kill people and break things”
The Air Force isn’t the Army or USMC, but you need to understand one thing and that is you are joining the United States Military Machine. If we are not going to war then we are training to do just that.
So…did I scare you off yet? No? Good, I’m glad.
If you are looking for more information on things like this, then go read Air Force Instruction (AFI) 1-1, Air Force Culture. At the very lease, you should read this before you head off to basic training.