Lessons learned in the Air Force

  • Published
  • By Maj. Traci Bowman
  • 60th Logistics Readiness Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  This is my first command.  I spent my first eight-and-a-half years as a medical laboratory technician and couldn't imagine a better job in or out of the Air Force.

After my first deployment, I had the opportunity to apply for a commission and I assumed once I graduated I would become a medical laboratory officer. Lesson no. 1: Be Informed.  Don't assume. Verify, ask questions and read the AFIs.

A couple months later I was walking into the aerial port at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, totally overwhelmed.  There I was a 30-year-old second lieutenant and I had never seen an aerial port. I had never even seen a C-5 and how do you miss a C-5? Lesson no. 2: Get out of your little box, the Air Force is much bigger than your flight/squadron/group. 

Working in the aerial port was one of the hardest jobs I ever had and initially I had the attitude it was temporary. I was going back in the laboratory.  Standing in front of a flag-draped casket in the 11th hour of another 12-hour shift, I realized the hero inside the casket would trade anything to be in my shoes, I needed to evaluate my attitude and loyalty to this Air Force or I needed to get out. Lesson no. 3: It wasn't all about me.

I chose to stay in, as a logistics readiness officer and went on to work in other areas of the Air Force I never imagined. I learned acquisition and sustainment with the B-1 fleet. I served with an explosive ordnance disposal battalion in Afghanistan, worked as a staff officer for an Army three-star general in Iraq, mentored and advised an Afghan army colonel, worked as a logistics readiness assignment officer and was sent to school to become a mobility expert. Lesson no. 4: Embrace opportunity.

This path was nothing like I expected, but everything I needed.  I was excited and scared when I took the flag for command this July. I knew how important this squadron is to Travis and I knew I needed to be the best commander for this squadron at this time. My Airmen deserve the best because they give their best. Lesson no. 5: If you're not giving your best to your Airmen you are doing it wrong.

I'm not special. My position as the 60th Logistics Readiness Squadron commander is critical to the mission, but I'm not special.  This is my first command and I can't imagine a better job.