I’ve been in the Air Force for seven years now, and during my short career I’ve seen a lot of people separate or retire. Often those of us who are still in bemoan the fact that the military has lost such great people and resources. It’s easy to forget about the many leaders who remain with us and are ready to lend a hand.
One of my favorite things about the Air Force is how relationships can get the mission done. I’ve only been stationed at three different bases, but I’ve been around long enough to notice contracting is a small career field, and you never know when you’re going to run into someone again.
I had a contracting problem recently and wanted to run my proposed solution by another contracting officer before making my final decision. I called another Airman from my home station who is deployed to Joint Base Balad, Iraq.
When I ran my contracting scenario by him, not only did he listen, give me thoughtful suggestions and take the time to discuss the matter with me, he also mentioned that another Airman in the office knew me from a previous assignment. I ended up reuniting over the phone with an old friend and received some additional sound contracting advice from the seasoned officer. This experience highlights why I love the Air Force – it’s not just a once-in-a-while thing.
In the civilian job market, there are a lot of cutthroat organizations that expect their people to be technical experts in every way. The Air Force isn’t like this. I know any time I need advice or help, I can pick up the phone and call a colleague for assistance.
The mission of the military may dictate that I deploy to the ends of the Earth, but I’ll always have a network of Airmen to help me provide excellent service well beyond the knowledge and skills I personally possess. I appreciate that. I know that no matter how much I learn, there is always going to be something I don’t know. Because the Air Force operates as a team, I know when I get stuck that help is just an e-mail or call away.
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I’ve been in the Air Force for seven years now, and during my short career I’ve seen a lot of people separate or retire. Often those of us who are still in bemoan the fact that the military has lost such great people and resources. It’s easy to forget about the many leaders who remain with us and are ready to lend a hand.
One of my favorite things about the Air Force is how relationships can get the mission done. I’ve only been stationed at three different bases, but I’ve been around long enough to notice contracting is a small career field, and you never know when you’re going to run into someone again.
I had a contracting problem recently and wanted to run my proposed solution by another contracting officer before making my final decision. I called another Airman from my home station who is deployed to Joint Base Balad, Iraq.
When I ran my contracting scenario by him, not only did he listen, give me thoughtful suggestions and take the time to discuss the matter with me, he also mentioned that another Airman in the office knew me from a previous assignment. I ended up reuniting over the phone with an old friend and received some additional sound contracting advice from the seasoned officer. This experience highlights why I love the Air Force – it’s not just a once-in-a-while thing.
In the civilian job market, there are a lot of cutthroat organizations that expect their people to be technical experts in every way. The Air Force isn’t like this. I know any time I need advice or help, I can pick up the phone and call a colleague for assistance.
The mission of the military may dictate that I deploy to the ends of the Earth, but I’ll always have a network of Airmen to help me provide excellent service well beyond the knowledge and skills I personally possess. I appreciate that. I know that no matter how much I learn, there is always going to be something I don’t know. Because the Air Force operates as a team, I know when I get stuck that help is just an e-mail or call away.