Ensuring success in the Air Force

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Christopher Williams
  • 60th Contracting Squadron commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  In 1989, as a student at the Air Force Academy, I attended a lecture where a four-star general gave a speech that changed my view on how to succeed in the Air Force. I'm not sure why, but I truly connected with the general's words. Many years later, I heard a peer, who was also present during this lecture, state that he, too, was greatly affected by the speech. 

The general said there are three things you must do in order to succeed in the Air Force. "The first thing you must do is to know and do your job," he said. He then went on to say, "The second thing you must do in order to succeed is to know and do your job. And the third thing you must do is to know and do your job." 

After listening to his speech, as I sat in the auditorium, the light bulb switched on in my brain, and I said, "That's it! That's what I need to do to succeed in the Air Force."
Now I know many of you are reading this and thinking, "Get a grip ... what's the big deal?" Unfortunately, I think many Air Force personnel don't understand this concept. According to the Air Force, for every 100 second lieutenants, only about nine will obtain the rank of colonel. Who will achieve this rank? I submit it is those individuals who know and do their job. 

What does this concept really mean? Each of us could answer this question differently and we could all be right. However, I think there is a core aspect that should be addressed. 

If you have a good uniform, stay out of trouble and perform your work adequately, I would tell you, "Thank you. You have met the minimum requirements." I think the core aspect of knowing and doing your job is trying to perform your duty better than anyone else who has ever performed your job before. 

The most important job you can have in the Air Force is the one you have right now. It doesn't matter if your job is to sharpen pencils and erase chalkboards. As long as you sharpen pencils and erase chalkboards better than anyone else, you will be recognized and given greater responsibilities. 

We've all seen the individuals who think their jobs are below them. Their stories are pretty much the same. They carry negative to neutral attitudes (whatever), lack initiative (it's not my job) and are generally not strong performers. They say, "If only I could just get that better job." However, as we all know, the "better" job never comes. Why? If the pencils aren't always sharp and the chalkboards are sort of erased, why should I, as a commander, expect you to succeed in a more challenging position? 

Eighteen years ago, I listened to a speech that changed my view on how to succeed in the Air Force. You too can apply the general's words to your own way of thinking. It has helped me and I know it will help you. It is a straight forward, fairly easy concept. All it takes is those three things -- to know and do your job.