Lesson 17: Beware of the snowflakes

Compassion and sensitivity are not unworthy characteristics to have.  I have met compassionate and sensitive people that are as courageous as you can be, and I have met arrogant and selfish wannabe heroes that would cower at the first sign of trouble.  When I say snowflake, I am referring to someone that is closed minded, …

Lesson 16: Don’t do what your stripes can’t handle

Know your limitations.  This applies to every job I have ever held but was especially true when it came to military service.  In most jobs, the highest stakes you will face is likely losing your job.  In the military, a lot of what you do can have life or death consequences.  The outcome will also …

Lesson 15: There are always those that fall through the cracks

Have you ever worked somewhere, and you encounter someone that is so epically clueless or so clearly out of place that you wondered to yourself, or allowed, “how in the heck did this person get here?”  The fact that they are a coworker absolutely blows your mind.  You rack your brain over the logic but …

Lesson 14: Do as I say, not as I do

I heard and encountered this one long before I ever even considered enlisting.  I held two different jobs and had already spent a few years in college before I signed a four-year commitment to the Air Force.  I have seen it done by parents (mine and others), managers, supervisors, teachers, professors, doctors, dentists, you name …

Lesson 13: Superior rank does not indicate superior intellect

I have met people with their Doctoral Degree who have been morons.  I have met college dropouts that are among the smartest people I know.  The military is no exception to this.  I have met high ranking officers that I wouldn’t choose to follow across the street, and I have met low ranking enlisted members …

Lesson 12: Respect is earned by enlisted, expected by commissioned

Deciding that you want to join any branch of the armed forces is a big decision.  People do it for a host of different reasons.  Raising your right hand and swearing the oath are only the first step.  Words are valuable, but it is our actions that determine that value.  It doesn’t take any courage …

Lesson 11: All the other branches suck

There is a rivalry that exists between all the branches that stretches throughout history.  It is an ongoing understanding that the branch you serve with is the only branch that is needed and contributes the most towards national security and freedom.  My personal experiences are no exception to this rule.  I encountered friction and rivalries …

Lesson 10: Tactical acquisition

Most people go through life never having enough for everything to be ideal.  You don’t have enough money, there aren’t enough people at your work to do the job efficiently, you don’t have the proper tools, you have the proper tools, but not enough of them, the list goes on.  There are times when you …

Lesson 9: We, not me

Like anything in life, there are always going to be benefits and drawbacks.  The military is no exception.  The military can be efficient, but it is far from perfect.  Every branch has its different functions and place in the bigger picture.  Every branch is top notch at what they do, but infallible they are not.  …

Lesson 8: There is no such thing as private property

From the moment that you get off the bus on that first day to the day you either separate or retire from your military service, there is no such thing as private property.  Personal belongings are a myth.  Everything is subject to inspection or review and even if you are considered proficient when it comes …