Look beyond career field to see perspective, bias

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Benjamin A. Griffin
  • 60th Medical Support Squadron First Sergeant
In October 1999, going through tech school, our instructors drilled in our heads our career field motto, "Com Nav, we're better than you." 

It was meant as friendly competition with the other career fields in maintenance and to build pride in your career field.  It was a bias that set in early and carried me through my career. 

"I am aircraft maintenance, we are the most important,"  "Pilot's need heroes, too, that is why there is maintenance," and "Without maintenance there is no reason to have an Air Force." 

I have been guilty of saying all of these things.  At the same time, I knew I wanted to be a first sergeant for the past decade and I pointed myself toward that long-term goal and, much to my surprise and honor, the powers that be made my desire come true. 

Then I was placed into a medical unit. The maintainer in me was terrified. "What have I gotten into? How am I going to lead and grow 'nonners?' " These questions now flew through my mind.  My maintainer family chimed in as well and continually asked "How are you going to deal with the medics?"  The truth is my biases and perceptions have been wrong. 

The Airmen of the 60th Medical Support Squadron have taught me more about the "Big Air Force" in the six months I have been assigned with them than all the professional military education and training I have received in the past 16-plus years serving in the Air Force.

These "nonners" have showed the same dedication to their mission as the crew chief working on the line at 2 a.m. in the pouring rain to get a plane off the ground.  They bend over backward for their team and have the same commitment to excellence as any pilot. 

What they have taught me the most is that we are all Airmen and we really do come from a proud heritage.  Every one of us has sacrificed a part of ourselves for the mission. 

I have talked to medics leaving for deployment who will experience things I never saw as a maintainer. They will see their fellow Airmen, Soldiers, Marines and Sailors broken and bloodied and they will do everything in their powers to save them. In all the times I have deployed, I have never had to deal with traumatic injuries, only broken airplanes and minor mishaps.

My challenge to each of you is to see beyond your career field. Open the window a little wider and see the Air Force from a new perspective.  Each Airman is vital and every Airman is your wingman.  Treat them with the respect they deserve for raising their right hand and taking the same oath you did. 

When asked this time last year what I was, I would have answered aircraft maintenance. Today, I would like to think my answer is I am an Airman.