The end is coming - are you prepared?

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Gabriel Griess
  • 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  For some, the thought of the end approaching may be concerning; for others exciting. A few might ask, what end?

In this case I am talking about the day we leave military service and rejoin the ranks of civilians. For some, departing the Air Force will be a result of the current manpower reduction policies. Others will choose to leave or retire, but for all, our days in uniform will end.

I raise this point to highlight three decisions I face weekly trying to prepare for my own departure. Am I taking care of myself, my family and my finances?

Each of us has huge demands on our time and energy. If I fail to eat right, go to the gym and make time for healthy activities and hobbies then there will ultimately be less of me available when duty or life demands I focus elsewhere for awhile. The people closest to you want you to be in balance, so give yourself time to be ready. This is the most important focus area for me and often the most difficult to be consistent in supporting.

I once read that when you die your inbox will not be empty. When I work too long or get distracted it is usually my family and friends who go without my attention. I try and remember that when I've put in a full day's work and the task at hand can wait until tomorrow, I get to go home and spend a little more quality time with my family. As budgets and manpower both constrict, we will have to learn to do less with less which will mean saying no to some activities. This is not something I am comfortable at doing, but I am working on it.

Next, being prepared financially has always been a priority of mine. Luckily, for military and civilian members, we have the Thrift Savings Plan. For many reasons beyond the scope of this article, the TSP is a fantastic program. If you're at 1 year or 19 years of service, it is never too late to start saving for retirement. Try starting with 1 percent of your pay. Each January when we get a raise, add 1 percent to the withholding amount. Imagine serving a 20 year career and having 20 percent of your base pay going into your TSP in your last year. The numbers would absolutely amaze you.

Finally, I'd like to recommend to every Airman reading this article; take a trip over to the Airmen and Family Readiness Center. I just completed the three day 7-Habits of Highly Effective People training and it was fantastic. They also have financial advisors, family advisors and community relations folks just waiting to help you.

Thank you for your service.