Why are you in the Air Force?

  • Published
  • By By Lt. Col. David Pollmiller
  • 21st Airlift Squadron commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Why? For almost all of us, why is a question we both ask and hear as a regular part of our daily life. Kids are particularly talented at asking why questions, and our military uniform and duties provide an endless source of questions. For me, this seems to be a regular event at home as my son becomes more aware and observant of the world around him. 

I get the usual questions that can be answered in any number of ways. "Why are your boots black?" "Why is your flightsuit green?" "Why do you have so many zippers on your flightsuit?" "Why do you fly?" For most of these questions, I can put together a reasonable answer in pretty short order. But, every once in a while, my son will ask a question that doesn't lend itself to a quick response. Recently, he asked me "Why are you in the Air Force?" 

At home, I'm your stereotypical dad, I've got all the answers and if I don't have the right answer I can usually make up an answer that sounds reasonable. But when I was asked "Why are you in the Air Force," I was taken aback. After 18 years, that was not a question I gave much thought to anymore. I never had serious doubts that I was in the right profession, or that being an Airmen was a very important part of who I am, so I put those thoughts into the simplest answer I could - "Because." And my son said, "Oh...what's for dinner?" 

I wish I could let myself off as easy as my son did. That simple question generated some serious introspection. We always talk about the education, benefits, travel and a myriad of other opportunities as reasons for entering the Air Force, but why do we stay? I don't think I can ever boil it down to a single thought. As I pondered what seemed a very simple question, the answer became more and more complex. I thought first about the intense pride I feel when I see the American flag and recall the sacrifices it represents. I thought about how different my life is from my family and friends that do not share in the profession of arms. I thought about how my profession is preserving a way of life for my kids. I thought about the opportunities I have had to lead and mentor others. And finally, in this time of war, I thought about life and death and what it means to embrace a willingness to go in harm's way. 

Although I haven't spent much time in the past thinking about why I am in the Air Force, I know that what I feel is the basis for my motivation to be right where I am. It felt good to bring those thoughts to the forefront, to renew my commitment. What we do is very different from that of our community partners around us, and there is goodness in understanding why we do it. So, why are you in the Air Force?