Question yourself to fully commit to job

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Robert Basom
  • 6th Aerial Refueling Squadron commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Is military service just a job or a way of life?

This is a question that I believe you need to ask yourself and, depending on your answer, a path will appear. It's a path within the Air Force or a path outside the Air Force.

Within the AF, it is embracing a lifestyle that can be difficult, but oftentimes rewarding. I know my family has endured many dinners without dad or missed baseball or softball games.

However, they also were able to meet some amazing Americans, see cool airplanes and meet many friends all across the US.

On many occasions, I've seen members fill a friend's deployment line position who was having personal issues. When asked why, the most common answer is, "Well, he would have done it for me if the roles were reversed." That's a bond we share that transcends "just a job."

I keep in contact with friends who have retired and some who have separated from the military. Many have gone on to much higher-paying jobs. Despite the substantial pay increase and prestige, nearly all of them say they miss the service because there is camaraderie in the service that just isn't there on "the outside."

In their new job, the people punch a clock, work eight hours, clock out and go home. There's just something missing, they say. I think it is our Airman's can-do attitude and desire to get the job done and done right.

Recently, I was fortunate enough to go on an air refueling mission, redeploying Marine Harrier aircraft from South-West Asia back to their friends and family after a seven-month deployment. It was an enormous undertaking and required hours of coordination to make sure the route makes sense, diplomatic clearances were approved, the right amount of fuel was on board and a thousand other tasks.

Our flying crew chiefs, Tech. Sgt. Michael Pester and Senior Airman Craig Cadonau, 660th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, made sure the jet was ready to go when we needed to takeoff. We were fortunate to have a few of the Marines on board and listen to them talk about their experiences downrange and how excited they were to be coming home, what they were going to do, what they were going to eat. Many said an In-N-Out Burger, no big surprise there.

We exchanged stories, had a few laughs, showed pictures of kids and got to know one another better. It was satisfying to complete the mission on time, deliver the Marines back home and share in the excitement of their return. Knowing the demands of deployment and having been in their shoes, all the hours mission planning and coordinating seemed like minor details to make their homecoming a reality.

A wise chief once said, "You need to fully commit. If not now, when?" Some members have gone years fighting "the system," only giving 50 percent because they could meet standards or accomplish their task with minimal effort. Some have made it to retirement by only doing the minimum.

However, others see who puts forth the effort and commits themselves to the mission and who doesn't. By giving more of yourself, you'll earn the respect of your peers, supervisors and, most importantly, your subordinates. People who leach onto the system, may get the paycheck, but will never get the personal satisfaction of giving without the expectation of receiving.

The bottom line is I believe in the AF way of life because I believe in the people in the AF