Finding motivation in purpose, serving Air Force

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Oren Sieff
  • 60th Medical Operations Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  An Airman who was recently in-processing into my unit asked me a question during our newcomers orientation - let's refer to her as Airman Travis. She asked: "After so many years in the Air Force, what keeps you motivated?"

Honestly, the question took me by surprise and was difficult to answer at first. Why was this question so difficult? I speak to large groups of Airmen all the time, but this question took me back because I just don't get asked about what motivates me.

It was introspective. I really had to think about what motivated me at the beginning of my career to understand what truly motivates me now.

Flash back 20 years ago, just outside South Bend, Indiana, an 18-year-old sat on a bench waiting for a Greyhound bus that would begin the journey of service in the United States Air Force. Not much different from thousands of young men and women around the country, every year our nation's finest join our armed services to serve their country for different reasons.

After thinking about it - what motivated me then wasn't very different from what motivates me now. Sure, years have passed and life experiences change your perspective and priorities, but the purpose of my service remained. The thoughts in my head while waiting for that Greyhound bus were those of excitement, anxiety and willingness, excitement about the opportunity to serve my country, anxiety about the unexpected that lay ahead and not knowing what job I would be selected for or the location of my first duty station. Finally, I was motivated by the willingness to do my best no matter how things turned out.

There was a lot of unknown in my future at that time. Nevertheless, I was "all in" or what we Airmen commonly refer to as "service before self."  The core values were already ingrained before the military training instructors in Basic Military Training launched.

Bottom line, my purpose was simple - to serve. I feel as though most Airmen reporting to basic training feel the same way. I saw it in our Airmen's eyes when I was a technical school instructor. Yet, only a short time later, some Airmen arrive at their first duty station and forget their purpose for service. Their concerns focus more on the "self."

I see this in our NCO tier as well. We lose the "all in" mentality. For example, "I want to PCS, but only to a base in Florida or Europe" or, "I want to volunteer for a special duty, but don't want to move from the local area and I don't want to be an MTI". The "known" or "predictable" becomes the focus and the purpose for service that was present at the start of an Air Force career fades. 

Another thought going through my head while waiting for that Greyhound bus was the purpose of being a part of something bigger or contributing in some small way to the sustainment of the most powerful, lethal and feared Air Force the world has ever known. I thought then, that my small role would contribute to the big picture.  I think, as Airmen, we sometimes lose that perspective early in our career as well. Every Airman plays a critical role in accomplishing the Air Force mission to "fly, fight and win."

The question Airman Travis asked me that morning reminded me of the purpose I felt 20 years ago while sitting on that bench and the purpose that I still feel now. When I face challenges or difficult times, recalling that purpose helps me focus on moving forward and performing at my best despite the circumstances.

In many ways, my thoughts and purpose in service then strengthen my resilience today.  The opportunity to serve my country and being a part of something bigger than myself is my purpose and is what motivates me. Thank you, Airman Travis, for the reminder. Do you remember your purpose?