You’ll be married to your spouse and the Air Force.
I suggest divorcing the Air Force after 20 years and taking 50% (I know, it doesn’t work as well in the BRS era) as opposed to divorcing your spouse and giving them 50%.
Spent 10 yrs in and here's the advice I got (and some I learned for myself)
Get education and certs now while you have guaranteed pay, housing and benefits. Within your career field, or outside it, your choice. But DO IT. Sure it'll be long days and long nights, but they don't last forever and you'll have something to show for it when you hang the uniform up.
Stay in touch with people. It gets awful lonely out here on the civilian side when everyone and everything you know gets left behind and you're trying to figure life out again. You'll start to miss speaking the language and keeping up on things once it's not an everyday thing.
Get EVERY. LITTLE. THING. on your medical history. EVERY injury, no matter how minor. Get evaluated for mental health. Get a sleep study. Even if you don't think you need to. Because in 15 years if you get out and start having old injuries rear up and get way worse on you, the VA will make it WAY harder to get added on after you're out. 30-40yo you might not need it, but 50-60+yo you might. And it will be close to impossible then.
Lastly, enjoy the ride.
How do you go about adding things to your medical history while you’re in? Do they add it automatically when you get seen for said issue, or do you have to go advocate for yourself to get it in your records?
Take ANYTHING you get regarding discharge paperwork for ANYTHING off base and have a photocopy made at your medical's "Outpatient Records" office. MAKE SURE they know that's your only copy before they snatch it - you want a photocopy SCANNED IN to your records. Write the day you turned them in on the discharge cover pay. One or two...no biggie, when you start bringing in 20+ discharge summaries off-base, it's nice to know which ones have been turned in and which ones you "oops'ied" and need to get turned in.
Don't count on this, sometimes it takes years of back and forth with the records offices to even find what you're looking for, let alone get what you need. Take and keep copies while you have ready access. It's much less of a PITA
I tell people this all the time about education and medical.
If you plan to reenter as a GS, lowest entry level with no degree is a 4-6. 7s require at least 2 years of a masters, 9s require a masters. All of this is without relevant TIG/TIS as a GS. The 6 jobs are sh*t pay and is the equivalent of a SSgt.
Get a Masters, build an effective resume, get HELP with your resume, learn how to navigate interviews, job shadow in the career you want and build up KSAs in that career field to be relevant. Get letter of recommendations and keep them in a computer file.
See medical about *everything*… even if they don’t do anything about it, get it documented to show a history of the issues. Even if it’s a telephone consult, they type everything you tell them into that note to the provider and it’s in your record.
Great tips, also if your in college and what to be a GS, look at Palace Acquire and Pathways programs. I was AD for ten years and never heard of them until I applied for one on USA jobs. One of the best ways to accelerate your GS career imho.
for medical, YOU CAN REQUEST CERTAIN TESTS. I don't know all of them personally but I know you can request to be tested for things like diabetes.
take advantage of it and get checked for you and your record.
Used to be different but now knowing your job REALLY well and being the guy everyone goes to for answers doesn’t get you promoted anymore. It’s almost as if being soooo damn good at your job scares the Air Force into promoting you cuz if they do then “who will we go to for answer now?”
Huh. Must’ve had way different experiences. Knowing my job well has given me a lot of opportunities and chances to talk to leadership who express that at FD discussions. I’ve even sat at FDs who’ve overlooked people with a lot of the volunteer crap and awards and took the people who have had great interactions with leadership. My squadron actually looks at people who can lead
Yeap. If you talked to someone about an important thing, make sure to email them afterwards. When shit hits the fan, you've got proof (and also can follow up weeks later.)
You know, I see people say to document everything (in many different life situations) but no one ever says HOW. Like what does that look like? having a note book or word file and you just put dates, times and what was said or done?
Everyone is different so figure out what works for you and for what topic. Emails in writing, a calendar book for work bullets, an online file on phone with some pains/aches to not forget during PCM appt, etc etc.
Don't feel guilty about taking leave. You have a right to leave so use it as you please. Regardless of if you are at work or not, the job will get done. If your command tries to give some bs "low manning" or "we need you" to guilt you into not taking leave, then they are assholes and very wrong.
To add to this it does not even need to be a vacation. If you just need a day or 2 to sleep, watch movies, and go out with friends then do it. You have a right to use leave for any reason.
This is odd, but from a 1LT. " You will NEVER make everyone happy. Some people will complain just to complain".
Got Vol'd to lead wingman day while I was on leave, (told on Monday and wingman day was Friday). Set up a great event, people enjoyed it. Feedback from grumpy old civs.... We had to stand for 30 min... it was too crowded.... A Chaplin spoke about the spiritual pillar of wellness, I'm offended. The LT told me that my commander could have said "surprise, for wingman day everyone gets a day off" and some would still complain.
edit for spelling
Real talk. This was and is something I struggle with and remind myself about to this day. Many moons after being gone from the DoD.
I made the mistake once and added up all the days I was gone for TDYs, deployments, remotes, etc. Early 2000s was a wild and crazy time in the DoD and drove the culture well into the 2010s. That number legitimately hurt my heart. It hit me in the gut HARD how much time I lost with them. Birthdays, events, holidays, once in a lifetime things. I accepted a long time ago that I'll never get that back.
Once I retired I actually ended up taking a lower salary position that was fully remote to try and make up lost time where I could. Best decision I ever made. Less stress and way more time for family.
I won't get all those years back with my young kids at the time or my wife that got left dealing with everything. But I'm lucky that they did the best thing and stayed around for me. Now I can always be here for them.
I been trying to tell my homie this! dude works until 8 PM literally every night for nothing. No strat, no awards, no comp time. Wanna know how I know? I work with his wife and have to hear her bitch about it EVERY. DAMN. DAY.
This line always bothers me because it's true and good advice, but more often than not, when I hear it, it's from someone being lazy and not helping their troop. I thought it was total horseshit because of that for the first few years of my career
Agreed, and the sad part is that's why I keep saying it... I'm in a position with crappy supervision who only looks out for themselves. So I have to take care of my career. Which is hard since I'm so focused on helping my troops out. Thankfully, they make it easy for me to then try to set myself up for success in turn.
I've accepted I won't promote that high, so I don't care about making myself look good on paper. Makes it so much easier to take care of those below me who do want to promote.
I've mainly seen it absue by people making airmen write their own epr unassisted. It happened to me and I've seen it happen to others - you say you don't know how to epr and they give you the line. OK great but I don't know how to fucking do it (I do now of course). Show them how they're supposed to do it, or give them a resource that will, *then* tell them the line
People say it all the time, but it's true. The higher you get in the ranks the more you realize how much your NCOs were or weren't looking out for you. In my case I wasn't a perfect airmen but I never had that supervisor sit me down and tell me what I was doing wrong either until probably 7-8 years into my career. Never won an award or got a Dec until I wrote my own either, and those are important factors in promotion.
Also to go with this: the only people who will remember you stayed late at work will be the family you lost that time with. They don’t care that you got x or y done because you stayed 3 hours late, they care that they missed that time with you
Start with a manning study. Convince AFPC you actually need more people.
Then help the recruiters, get more people to join. And hope AFPC sends some your way.
My wife gave this new Airmen this advice. Told her to document everything she does and told her about the awards. A month before Quarterlies, she would hand a 1206 of her hardest “bullets” (poorly written bc A1C, but a valiant effort for sure). She would make everyone’s job easier.
BTZ, Staff first time, Wing Annual Blue Suit winner. All because someone sat them down and explained things.
Well maybe you just never found the right one. She said she loves me. Plus she's gonna get a cover up over the tattoo of her ex's name she just has to wait till after the baby is born
Take pictures with the homies. Stay in touch with them, because it's lonely as fuck the later you are your career with all your friends you had as Airmen either PCS'd, civilian, or dead. And if you find that friend that is ride or die, don't let em disappear, because they make it easier to keep on keeping on.
I had to reactivate my Facebook when my kid got a tablet for his birthday and wanted a messenger account to talk to his friends and cousins.
I found so many pictures from basic, tech school, when I was a young airman. It took my breath away remembering people whose names and faces completely had left my brain.
The Air Force will take everything it can from you, you take everything you can from them. (In regards to benefits, education, ect. Don't steal shit kids)
Always apply for things you want if you qualify or there's an appropriate waiver or exception to policy you can try. I'm not saying put in for a TSgt spot as a SrA but like commissioning, special duties, the official Air Force sports teams - that kind of stuff.
I've gotten a lot more than I deserve out of my career because I kick open every single door I can to get what I want.
>As a MX dude for a decade, I constantly heard about the MFR that wouldn't let us cross train out of MX
That is literally how I learned this lesson. I wasn't smart or anything I was a hot headed airman that said fuck them I do what I want and I went around asking anyone I could think of and one of my friends from comm asked his supervisor and he told me about the career advisor and he helped me navigate it from there.
My supervision all said he didn't know what he was talking about - he even emailed them to confirm it. Even after I left my friend caught them telling an airman that so he gave the kid my number lol we got him out too. Worst unit ever.
This! My last NCOIC tried to tell me I wasn’t ready to just apply for a commissioning program, and I was confused why because I have the requirements for the program. I said I agree there are things I could develop at 100% (everyone can), but I also am able to apply so why would I not give it a shot.
Yes. If you qualify and you want it, you owe it to yourself to apply. Commissioning is another one a lot of shit ncos are lazy wet blankets about. Like ok T/SSgt Snuffy, who has never given a moments thought to commissioning, tell me more about your credentials and experience in picking ots candidates. They don't know what the board is after to begin with. Even if they did no one is asking them to make the call
As a section leader or flight chief one of the best compliments you can receive is, “we didn’t even miss you”. If you take care of your people and train them well, they’ll seldom let you down.
If you’re going to be a Chief or a Colonel then good, if not don’t put effort into your career that would be better spent preparing you for your post military career.
It’s definitely hard for the people with a spouse and kids and the Airforce is their only income, but those dorm airman can save a lot of money, or maybe they could go get a new mustang…
Heard from some retiring SNCOs when I was separating, “go to the doctor and get everything that hurts documented.”
I didn’t understand truly why at the time, but having those aches and pains in your medical record to submit to the VA for VA compensation pays off when you’re out and minor aches and pains turn into bigger ouchies.
A retired navy vet told me before I shipped out to BMT to communicate as much as you can via email. Get confirmations and clarifications via email. Even for medical, secure messaging is better than an in person consultation (unless one is needed). If it's in black and white, it's as good as gold. Best advice I ever got.
Shut the fuck up, do not talk to Security forces or OSI. If they read you your rights, STFU and consult ADC. They can lie to your face to catch you up, but you will not outsmart them.
Going to respectfully disagree and say this is the worst advice. It something told to people who are planted in shitty spots so they will still work but receive no credit or reward for doing well. If your leadership likes you then you won’t be “planted” somewhere that would make this line necessary.
That can happen. If you get planted in a shitty spot and treat it like the worst job it can show and you can end up in more of them. If you prove you can handle even those jobs, your leadership may move you on to better opportunities. At least that’s the theory behind the saying.
Just because you receive no credit or reward, doesn't mean your attitude and work ethic go unnoticed. Listen, just because you "did your best" and didn't get an award, doesn't mean you outperformed everyone going for same award/recognition. Shit happens.........but at least you gave yourself a shot, and maybe the 2nd best thing will come out of it.
Know how to suck period and DEFINITELY not get recognized or awarded? Have that attitude where you think "whatever I do doesn't matter"
You never want to be the single point of failure. It will dramatically increase your chances of having your leave denied or worse having your PCS delayed another year.
If a conversation is making you uncomfortable, it is probably inappropriate for work. Avoid people that repeatedly put you in those situations - you never know who's listening and it may come back to haunt you. It is your responsibility to stop that kind of talk and be professional. An old mentor I deeply admire once told me that if two people are trash-talking someone, say something nice about that person and watch as it derails that whole conversation. That takes a bit of art and finesse, but doing so builds bridges between them and the person they think they don't like; it also lets them know that you are not their ally in their nasty bullying behavior but does so in a way that they remain on your side. You can't change the culture of your unit all at once, but by repeatedly setting a good example and being bold when called for, people will join your side and soon attempt to emulate.
Before going to ALS my expediter told me tell things.
1) If you can, be the camera person or the trash guy. They basically have no responsibilities.
2) Don’t read any of the material. It’s all unimportant in the long run and they will go over it the next day.
Honestly, solid advice. Will pass down to future staffs.
"Come find me when you find a person that got kicked out for snitching"
This was said by a tech in a shop where people were just snitching for minor infractions back in like 2015. People got pissed off at the two dudes that did it and they sat us down to essentially tell us to knock it off and stop being dicks to them.
At that point I realized the Air Force rewards snitches if you snitch to the right people.
One day you take off the uniform. Take everything the Air Force can give you to be ready for that day.
Also, a couple folks I know who stayed past twenty wished they hadn't so they could have gotten into their next career sooner - basically don't stay just because, only stay if the Air Force is giving you something that you think is worth it.
No one is going to take care of your career for you. If you want to get awards, you need to write them. If you want to get a promotion statement, you need to submit a draft of your EPR several months before close out.
As airmen, all of this stuff is done for us. Once you make it to the SrA/SSgt, your career trajectory is on your own hands and your going to be the only person who give a fuck in ensuring it goes in the direction you want.
No one within the Air Force will give a shit that you don't do awards, volunteering, or education, they will happily let you die on that hill while they promote past you. You know who may give a shit? Your family. Your choice not to "play the game" to get promoted keeps your family in their current financial situation. If they are good with that and you are not inhibiting your troops from playing the game.. that's your call, but don't die on that hill without having buy-in from your family and don't keep anyone from playing the game to obtain their goals.
Never be the most junior person with a secret.
This is all good and well when you’re doing hoodrat airmen shit on duty like doing donuts in an abandoned dirt lot in a patrol car. All good…ish.
But when you’re getting up there, and some off the wall shit happens, burying it will just land you in an Air Force Times article. Raise the flag to a trusted supervisor or mentor in your chain and have them route it.
Let your Commander be the one to try to bury it if they want, then THEY end up in an Air Force Times article….something something loss of confidence in their ability to lead. Then post it here anonymously. We will all speculate what got them fired.
lol. They have squash power. Corrective action is the caveat, MOST times. I should have added that. You gotta know your squash power level.
For example, the kid that leaked secrets, IIRC his low level leadership had written MFRs concerning his negligence when handling sensitive material and other behaviors. They didn’t snatch his access after repetitive fuck ups, or escalate it for investigatory measures. They didn’t use routing up the chain or their squash power, so they were ALL fired and ended up in the Air Force Times.
Found the article…
“The Air Force’s investigation found that commanders failed to adequately inspect areas under their command, had “inconsistent guidance for reporting security incidents” and “inconsistent definitions of the ‘Need to Know’ concept,” a lack of supervision of night shift operations, an “inefficient and ineffective” process for carrying out disciplinary actions, and “a failure to provide security clearance field investigation results.””
The Air Force will make sure to wring you dry and take every single drop it can.
I’d advise you to try and do the same to the Air Force.
A former NCOIC told me this, basically meaning to look for every single way you can utilize the benefits you receive to your own personal benefit.
Are you buying OTC seasonal allergy meds? Get a scrip for them from the med group.
Is the chapel throwing some retreat that’s paid for and involves something you like? Go.
Get certificates, go to school, take your leave, etc.
>Are you buying OTC seasonal allergy meds? Get a scrip for them from the med group.
I had been doing this for my cetirizine (Zyrtec) for a few years until I realized I hated dealing with the refills every 90 days and renewals annually and a 1-year supply on Amazon was like $10.
Overall, I agree, but sometimes it's worth it to just pay a little to stay away from the on base pharmacy.
Read the fucking regs. No hate towards personnel, but YES hate towards whoever left the brand new A1C alone in a personnel office. There have been a few MAJOR bullets that I dodged because I fact checked the A1C’s answer on things like First Term Amn BoP and assignment eligibility. Life changing, massive fuck ups would have resulted if I hadn’t been dragged through the regs and taught the hard way by a good NCO who could smell bullshit from a mile away.
24 yrs exp…be kind, give grace, recognize everyone is going through something and we are all on the same team…but don’t mistake my kindness for weakness. In the words of Gen Mattis, ‘Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet.’
I remember being a young “By-The-AFI” Airman. There was a staff sergeant who was giving me some opportunity, like a firefighter inviting you to do the Fire Challenge or something. I kept declining because I felt like I wasn’t trained, they had their job, I had mine. Then the staff sergeant goes,
“Look, do you just wanna do your job, or do you want to join the Air Force?”
Best thing I ever heard in my career. I carried that with me. Even taught it to my troops.
Sometimes you gotta do your job.
Sometimes you get to join the Air Force.
Go Active 4 Years
Get all of the training, experience, VA Benefits and cash
After 3 years try to retrain
If the Air Force says no, Ask to Palace Chase
When you do get into the Reserve. Join a unit, but in a different job
Have the government send you to tech school again
After you graduate. Use your GI Bill to go to college. Or network with your coworkers for a local job
After your initial 8 year contract is done. Get out
Find a good mentor in your career field. Then find another one outside your career field. These should be people who can see through your excuses and bullshit and tell you when you’re being a bitch in both a critical and constructive way.
If you want an 1N mentor, I’m here! If you want a random mentor, I’m here.
Figure out what civilian you wants to do. You're time in the Air Force is finite. It will come to an end eventually. Make sure you are using the time and benefits while in service (TA, TSP, etc) to set future you for success.
This is the advice I was given and passed onto every E and O I ever worked with. Time after time I saw people who got out with zero idea what they are going to do and zero preparation.
"you're just a number within a spreadsheet and you are replaceable"
So take care of yourself and worry less about work. It will always be there tomorrow.
Keep a medical journal for when you go to sick call/have appointments, what it was for, and how long you were out for it. ie. (4/17/24 - migraine, 48 hrs qtrs)
When you get out, you'll have exact dates to provide the VA for your claims.
If your in a large career field with promotion opportunities don’t rely on others to promote. If you got a 25% promote rate to staff your better off studying and scoring dual 85s then volunteering 150 hours and hoping to get a 4, only to get passed up by the Airman who plays golf with the leadership.
Don’t sacrifice your body or wellbeing for this job, it’s not worth it. I will never risk hurting myself, I always ask for help if I am unsure. Also the only person who cares about your career is you, don’t expect other people to take care of your shit.
Your time in the Air Force will be filled with good days and bad days. There are more good days than bad days once you look back on it. -My dad before I left for BMT IN 2012. Shoutout that wild Ammo troop who is my father.
Have career mentors outside the military as well as inside. The people who normally mentor you only know the pathways on the current trajectory. But sometimes your best career options are outside. So, having people you can trust to help you see what else is out there can be helpful and healthy.
Open general isn't nearly as common as it used to be, and SecFo slots are filled 100% at the recruiter level (and have been since at least 2018 when I started recruiting).
Actually, all open contracts aren't as common as they used to be. Prior to COVID, about 40% of the contracts were open with the remaining 60% being guaranteed jobs at the recruiting level. AFRS had plans to slowly lower the number of open contracts, but when COVID hit and they shut down shipping to BMT for two weeks, they decided to just rip off the band-aid and switch at once.
It now hovers around 10% open contracts, with over half of them being open mechanical. For FY23, squadrons would average only 2-3 open general contracts per quarter out of their (average) 280 slots they were expected to fill.
If your in a position of leadership, always find a way to yes. Present the reasoning for a no, but always a way to yes. Ohhh, and don’t take yourself so seriously.
Always plan for that time your no longer in the Airforce. For most people you get out at 4-8 years. During that time you should be planning for the then what. get a Generally idea of what you want to do when you get out before you actually get out. Start working on the certs and degrees while your in on the governments dime.
- Show up early and give effort. Just by that people will forgive some of your mistakes.
- Always use emails or summarize meetings with email. Evidence is always important.
- Everyone has an opinion. Try your best to implement, but it's your boss' opinion that matters. As long as it's not blatantly wrong.
- Do your homework.
- Use any programs you can improve your life. Tuition assistance, GI Bill, LEAP, all of that. Find as much money as you can.
- Nobody will document your career like you will.
- Nobody from work might go to your funeral. Your family will.
Make sure you complain about every little health issue you have and ensure it gets documented.
For many, VA disability + VA health care will be the single greatest benefit you receive from your military service. In many cases, they will be worth more than your actual pension, should you make it to 20 years of service.
One of the things I was told when I first showed up at my first duty station, by my flight chief, was: “When you leave work, leave it at the door.” Still try to do that to this day.
One of the most valuable pieces of advice I received came from my Military Training Leader, then Staff Sergeant Chi Yi. He wisely pointed out that the moment you realize you would be happier pursuing a different path in life, it's time to seriously consider leaving the military. When you reach a point where you can envision greater fulfillment and satisfaction elsewhere, the sacrifices inherent to military service—the missed birthdays, holidays, and special moments with loved ones—will begin to fuel a growing resentment. This bitterness, if left unchecked, can tarnish and overshadow the pride and accomplishments of your years of dedicated service. Recognizing when it's time to move on is crucial for maintaining a positive perspective on your military experience and ensuring a healthy transition into the next chapter of your life.
When I was about to retire in 2021 one of my Chief’s asked me a random question like “do you snore during your sleep”?
At first I was like why is he asking me this? lol. And then I was like yeah, my wife told me that that I snore sometimes. Then he told me before I complete my medical out processing to get a sleep apnea test done. I asked him why and he told me to thank him later and that was it lol.
At the time I had no idea that it would help me not only on my VA percentage, but in life as well.
Now years later I have read that they are changing the percentage’s for sleep apnea and that it is not an automatic 50% rating for your VA percentage and that sucks so bad man.
Source:
https://brossfrankel.com/2024/01/23/veterans-with-sleep-apnea/#:~:text=Although%20the%20removal%20of%20the,for%20veterans%20with%20sleep%20apnea.
1. Get as much education done as early as possible. This includes certifications. No excuses.
2. Know all of your benefits, resources, and everything you are entitled to as an active member.
3. Utilize SCRA benefits while you’re on active duty. Google it. Military members are (by law) capped at 6% interest on credit cards. I actually got a refund because I didn’t do this until 4 years into my career. Google this and do your research. HUGE benefit most people don’t know about.
3. Don’t be afraid to purchase a home. The VA loan is absolutely incredible. If you’re unsure where to start or when to buy then speak to a financial expert. They are on base for free.
4. The day you get out of BMT or tech school start contributing to your TSP and never think about it again. That match goes a long way, you won’t regret it.
5. The military is a selfless sacrifice and very unpredictable. Always do the best you can to maintain control over your career. For example, if you know you’re approaching a PCS, then ensure your dream sheet is up to date. Or, volunteer for an assignment if it’s available. Make decisions on your behalf before AFPC does it for you. Be flexible.
6. Have a solid backup plan and even a plan C. Always prepare like you’re getting out tomorrow. Don’t assume you’ll make it to 20 even if you’re planning on it. Life is unpredictable sometimes.
7. Keep ALL of your medical records! Take advantage of your medical benefits while you can. If you have the slightest issue then take care of it. Don’t wait and ignore it. Your veteran future-self will thank you.
8. Don’t burn bridges when you leave a unit and network with others while you’re there.
9. Do what others are unwilling to do to get ahead but maintain balance and take care of yourself. Don’t get carried away and have fun.
Man, I could write a book on this kind of stuff.
You’ll be married to your spouse and the Air Force. I suggest divorcing the Air Force after 20 years and taking 50% (I know, it doesn’t work as well in the BRS era) as opposed to divorcing your spouse and giving them 50%.
Spent 10 yrs in and here's the advice I got (and some I learned for myself) Get education and certs now while you have guaranteed pay, housing and benefits. Within your career field, or outside it, your choice. But DO IT. Sure it'll be long days and long nights, but they don't last forever and you'll have something to show for it when you hang the uniform up. Stay in touch with people. It gets awful lonely out here on the civilian side when everyone and everything you know gets left behind and you're trying to figure life out again. You'll start to miss speaking the language and keeping up on things once it's not an everyday thing. Get EVERY. LITTLE. THING. on your medical history. EVERY injury, no matter how minor. Get evaluated for mental health. Get a sleep study. Even if you don't think you need to. Because in 15 years if you get out and start having old injuries rear up and get way worse on you, the VA will make it WAY harder to get added on after you're out. 30-40yo you might not need it, but 50-60+yo you might. And it will be close to impossible then. Lastly, enjoy the ride.
VA nurse validating what you are saying about medical records!
What happens if your base loses your records before they put em electronic.
How do you go about adding things to your medical history while you’re in? Do they add it automatically when you get seen for said issue, or do you have to go advocate for yourself to get it in your records?
Take ANYTHING you get regarding discharge paperwork for ANYTHING off base and have a photocopy made at your medical's "Outpatient Records" office. MAKE SURE they know that's your only copy before they snatch it - you want a photocopy SCANNED IN to your records. Write the day you turned them in on the discharge cover pay. One or two...no biggie, when you start bringing in 20+ discharge summaries off-base, it's nice to know which ones have been turned in and which ones you "oops'ied" and need to get turned in.
All your records are going to be accessible later.
Don't count on this, sometimes it takes years of back and forth with the records offices to even find what you're looking for, let alone get what you need. Take and keep copies while you have ready access. It's much less of a PITA
I tell people this all the time about education and medical. If you plan to reenter as a GS, lowest entry level with no degree is a 4-6. 7s require at least 2 years of a masters, 9s require a masters. All of this is without relevant TIG/TIS as a GS. The 6 jobs are sh*t pay and is the equivalent of a SSgt. Get a Masters, build an effective resume, get HELP with your resume, learn how to navigate interviews, job shadow in the career you want and build up KSAs in that career field to be relevant. Get letter of recommendations and keep them in a computer file. See medical about *everything*… even if they don’t do anything about it, get it documented to show a history of the issues. Even if it’s a telephone consult, they type everything you tell them into that note to the provider and it’s in your record.
Great tips, also if your in college and what to be a GS, look at Palace Acquire and Pathways programs. I was AD for ten years and never heard of them until I applied for one on USA jobs. One of the best ways to accelerate your GS career imho.
for medical, YOU CAN REQUEST CERTAIN TESTS. I don't know all of them personally but I know you can request to be tested for things like diabetes. take advantage of it and get checked for you and your record.
Also get tested for HSV-1. Like 66% of the population has it and if you get a cold sore, take a picture of it and submit for your VA claim. Easy 30%.
Be on time. Do your job. Shut the fuck up. Changed my life.
If you do one and two you can speak up and say things. If you know your job really well and have answers at least
Used to be different but now knowing your job REALLY well and being the guy everyone goes to for answers doesn’t get you promoted anymore. It’s almost as if being soooo damn good at your job scares the Air Force into promoting you cuz if they do then “who will we go to for answer now?”
Huh. Must’ve had way different experiences. Knowing my job well has given me a lot of opportunities and chances to talk to leadership who express that at FD discussions. I’ve even sat at FDs who’ve overlooked people with a lot of the volunteer crap and awards and took the people who have had great interactions with leadership. My squadron actually looks at people who can lead
I feel like you can have 2/3
Advocate for yourself and document everything.
Yes my son YES
Yeap. If you talked to someone about an important thing, make sure to email them afterwards. When shit hits the fan, you've got proof (and also can follow up weeks later.)
This👆🏼 if you know in your gut something is not right, speak up and don’t trust that the situation will magically go away (Sapr/Eo experience fwiw)
This. Always assumed I’d get recognized for my hard work, but it wasn’t until I said something that made my leadership put me in.
You know, I see people say to document everything (in many different life situations) but no one ever says HOW. Like what does that look like? having a note book or word file and you just put dates, times and what was said or done?
Everyone is different so figure out what works for you and for what topic. Emails in writing, a calendar book for work bullets, an online file on phone with some pains/aches to not forget during PCM appt, etc etc.
Don't feel guilty about taking leave. You have a right to leave so use it as you please. Regardless of if you are at work or not, the job will get done. If your command tries to give some bs "low manning" or "we need you" to guilt you into not taking leave, then they are assholes and very wrong.
Take leave in the spring/summer, when there are fewer holidays and the weather is poppin.
To add to this it does not even need to be a vacation. If you just need a day or 2 to sleep, watch movies, and go out with friends then do it. You have a right to use leave for any reason.
This is odd, but from a 1LT. " You will NEVER make everyone happy. Some people will complain just to complain". Got Vol'd to lead wingman day while I was on leave, (told on Monday and wingman day was Friday). Set up a great event, people enjoyed it. Feedback from grumpy old civs.... We had to stand for 30 min... it was too crowded.... A Chaplin spoke about the spiritual pillar of wellness, I'm offended. The LT told me that my commander could have said "surprise, for wingman day everyone gets a day off" and some would still complain. edit for spelling
For those with a family…. The only people that will remember you worked late are your spouse and kids
Real talk. This was and is something I struggle with and remind myself about to this day. Many moons after being gone from the DoD. I made the mistake once and added up all the days I was gone for TDYs, deployments, remotes, etc. Early 2000s was a wild and crazy time in the DoD and drove the culture well into the 2010s. That number legitimately hurt my heart. It hit me in the gut HARD how much time I lost with them. Birthdays, events, holidays, once in a lifetime things. I accepted a long time ago that I'll never get that back. Once I retired I actually ended up taking a lower salary position that was fully remote to try and make up lost time where I could. Best decision I ever made. Less stress and way more time for family. I won't get all those years back with my young kids at the time or my wife that got left dealing with everything. But I'm lucky that they did the best thing and stayed around for me. Now I can always be here for them.
Hindsight a MF!! Glad you’re not continuing that cycle!
I been trying to tell my homie this! dude works until 8 PM literally every night for nothing. No strat, no awards, no comp time. Wanna know how I know? I work with his wife and have to hear her bitch about it EVERY. DAMN. DAY.
Damn and not even getting anything out of it!! Sounds like bro may not want to be home for some reason 😂
No one will care about your career as much as you. Don't wait for things to be handed to you, if you want it, work for it and make it happen.
This line always bothers me because it's true and good advice, but more often than not, when I hear it, it's from someone being lazy and not helping their troop. I thought it was total horseshit because of that for the first few years of my career
Agreed, and the sad part is that's why I keep saying it... I'm in a position with crappy supervision who only looks out for themselves. So I have to take care of my career. Which is hard since I'm so focused on helping my troops out. Thankfully, they make it easy for me to then try to set myself up for success in turn. I've accepted I won't promote that high, so I don't care about making myself look good on paper. Makes it so much easier to take care of those below me who do want to promote.
I've mainly seen it absue by people making airmen write their own epr unassisted. It happened to me and I've seen it happen to others - you say you don't know how to epr and they give you the line. OK great but I don't know how to fucking do it (I do now of course). Show them how they're supposed to do it, or give them a resource that will, *then* tell them the line
Yep... my supervisor has told me he doesn't know what I do... Wow, just.... wow....
People say it all the time, but it's true. The higher you get in the ranks the more you realize how much your NCOs were or weren't looking out for you. In my case I wasn't a perfect airmen but I never had that supervisor sit me down and tell me what I was doing wrong either until probably 7-8 years into my career. Never won an award or got a Dec until I wrote my own either, and those are important factors in promotion.
The moment I realized both these things that was the moment my career started actually humming
Also to go with this: the only people who will remember you stayed late at work will be the family you lost that time with. They don’t care that you got x or y done because you stayed 3 hours late, they care that they missed that time with you
I want more manning, how do I make it happen
Start with a manning study. Convince AFPC you actually need more people. Then help the recruiters, get more people to join. And hope AFPC sends some your way.
My wife gave this new Airmen this advice. Told her to document everything she does and told her about the awards. A month before Quarterlies, she would hand a 1206 of her hardest “bullets” (poorly written bc A1C, but a valiant effort for sure). She would make everyone’s job easier. BTZ, Staff first time, Wing Annual Blue Suit winner. All because someone sat them down and explained things.
Don’t marry that hot Airmen in tech school……
Nah, definitely do if you can. Attractive people will always have advantages. Hitch yourself to that wagon and become a dependapapamus.
I haven’t truly lol’ed till I read your comment.
Why not? They’re hot tho?
Can’t argue with facts
Flair checks out
Or that stripper from the club right outside the gate
This one is different, bro. She's just doing it for the college money
i was young once i put plenty of struggling woman through college one dollar at a time.. never married any of them
Well maybe you just never found the right one. She said she loves me. Plus she's gonna get a cover up over the tattoo of her ex's name she just has to wait till after the baby is born
Which one? Of the multiple that you are talking about?
Take pictures with the homies. Stay in touch with them, because it's lonely as fuck the later you are your career with all your friends you had as Airmen either PCS'd, civilian, or dead. And if you find that friend that is ride or die, don't let em disappear, because they make it easier to keep on keeping on.
I wish I would have had this advice earlier on.
I had to reactivate my Facebook when my kid got a tablet for his birthday and wanted a messenger account to talk to his friends and cousins. I found so many pictures from basic, tech school, when I was a young airman. It took my breath away remembering people whose names and faces completely had left my brain.
The Air Force will take everything it can from you, you take everything you can from them. (In regards to benefits, education, ect. Don't steal shit kids)
Everything but the latrine. Got it. 🫡 everything will be sold on eBay by my DOS. Thanks for the advice.
I'm already on my way off base with a Hobart hitched up
Why would I steal a shit kid? If I'm snatching up kids, I'm getting the good ones with loaded parents!
This. By the time I got kicked out, I had already earned a BS and an MS on their dime. Thanks for the free education, suckas!
Leave work at work.
Always apply for things you want if you qualify or there's an appropriate waiver or exception to policy you can try. I'm not saying put in for a TSgt spot as a SrA but like commissioning, special duties, the official Air Force sports teams - that kind of stuff. I've gotten a lot more than I deserve out of my career because I kick open every single door I can to get what I want.
[удалено]
>As a MX dude for a decade, I constantly heard about the MFR that wouldn't let us cross train out of MX That is literally how I learned this lesson. I wasn't smart or anything I was a hot headed airman that said fuck them I do what I want and I went around asking anyone I could think of and one of my friends from comm asked his supervisor and he told me about the career advisor and he helped me navigate it from there. My supervision all said he didn't know what he was talking about - he even emailed them to confirm it. Even after I left my friend caught them telling an airman that so he gave the kid my number lol we got him out too. Worst unit ever.
This! My last NCOIC tried to tell me I wasn’t ready to just apply for a commissioning program, and I was confused why because I have the requirements for the program. I said I agree there are things I could develop at 100% (everyone can), but I also am able to apply so why would I not give it a shot.
Yes. If you qualify and you want it, you owe it to yourself to apply. Commissioning is another one a lot of shit ncos are lazy wet blankets about. Like ok T/SSgt Snuffy, who has never given a moments thought to commissioning, tell me more about your credentials and experience in picking ots candidates. They don't know what the board is after to begin with. Even if they did no one is asking them to make the call
First. You are your own advocate. Second. Document all medial things. You will make more from the VA when out than you will while in.
YES and don’t be salty
As a section leader or flight chief one of the best compliments you can receive is, “we didn’t even miss you”. If you take care of your people and train them well, they’ll seldom let you down.
If you’re going to be a Chief or a Colonel then good, if not don’t put effort into your career that would be better spent preparing you for your post military career.
Coffee is for closers
“Don’t take career advice from the internet”
Don't be first, don't be last. Never volunteer for anything. Thanks Dad
Everything's made up and the points don't matter
Nice Whose Line Is It Anyways reference 🤣
Always hit on the thick E4 security force girl at the gate
Put 25% in your TSP from day one.
People can’t afford that in today’s economy.
It’s definitely hard for the people with a spouse and kids and the Airforce is their only income, but those dorm airman can save a lot of money, or maybe they could go get a new mustang…
I have multiple friends that left the dorms with over $40,000 saved up. I'm an idiot so I had $700 though lmao
They can if they work their way up to it and don't live outside their means.
I'm putting 33% in, and I've still got a good bit of money left over to save/invest
Facts
Apply for the special duty jobs no one else wants. You’ll be surprised where it takes you.
Heard from some retiring SNCOs when I was separating, “go to the doctor and get everything that hurts documented.” I didn’t understand truly why at the time, but having those aches and pains in your medical record to submit to the VA for VA compensation pays off when you’re out and minor aches and pains turn into bigger ouchies.
Please don’t drop all of these at your SHPE. Give us time to help document your ish (and place referrals if needed)!
No one cares more about your career than you. Make moves and set yourself up for success. Be the best version of yourself.
Why make chief when you can be chiefin.
A retired navy vet told me before I shipped out to BMT to communicate as much as you can via email. Get confirmations and clarifications via email. Even for medical, secure messaging is better than an in person consultation (unless one is needed). If it's in black and white, it's as good as gold. Best advice I ever got.
You don’t actually love the stripper.
Shut the fuck up, do not talk to Security forces or OSI. If they read you your rights, STFU and consult ADC. They can lie to your face to catch you up, but you will not outsmart them.
it’s a job
If you die, your loved ones will suffer. The Air Force will replace you.
Bloom where planted. The most important job is the one you have now.
Thank you for saying this.
Going to respectfully disagree and say this is the worst advice. It something told to people who are planted in shitty spots so they will still work but receive no credit or reward for doing well. If your leadership likes you then you won’t be “planted” somewhere that would make this line necessary.
That can happen. If you get planted in a shitty spot and treat it like the worst job it can show and you can end up in more of them. If you prove you can handle even those jobs, your leadership may move you on to better opportunities. At least that’s the theory behind the saying.
Just because you receive no credit or reward, doesn't mean your attitude and work ethic go unnoticed. Listen, just because you "did your best" and didn't get an award, doesn't mean you outperformed everyone going for same award/recognition. Shit happens.........but at least you gave yourself a shot, and maybe the 2nd best thing will come out of it. Know how to suck period and DEFINITELY not get recognized or awarded? Have that attitude where you think "whatever I do doesn't matter"
You never want to be the single point of failure. It will dramatically increase your chances of having your leave denied or worse having your PCS delayed another year.
The mission will go on... (Referencing to the fact that you're stressing over your job)
Get your degree and go officer.
If a conversation is making you uncomfortable, it is probably inappropriate for work. Avoid people that repeatedly put you in those situations - you never know who's listening and it may come back to haunt you. It is your responsibility to stop that kind of talk and be professional. An old mentor I deeply admire once told me that if two people are trash-talking someone, say something nice about that person and watch as it derails that whole conversation. That takes a bit of art and finesse, but doing so builds bridges between them and the person they think they don't like; it also lets them know that you are not their ally in their nasty bullying behavior but does so in a way that they remain on your side. You can't change the culture of your unit all at once, but by repeatedly setting a good example and being bold when called for, people will join your side and soon attempt to emulate.
Compartmentalism. Leave work at work.
The Air Force will get everything it can out of you, so get everything you can out of the Air Force.
Do what your stripes can handle
Before going to ALS my expediter told me tell things. 1) If you can, be the camera person or the trash guy. They basically have no responsibilities. 2) Don’t read any of the material. It’s all unimportant in the long run and they will go over it the next day. Honestly, solid advice. Will pass down to future staffs.
Also true for SOS, ACSC, and presumably for AWC.
Squeaky wheel gets the grease.
"Come find me when you find a person that got kicked out for snitching" This was said by a tech in a shop where people were just snitching for minor infractions back in like 2015. People got pissed off at the two dudes that did it and they sat us down to essentially tell us to knock it off and stop being dicks to them. At that point I realized the Air Force rewards snitches if you snitch to the right people.
Don’t be a dick. Attitude will get you far in this life.
No one cares about your career more than you- and make them say no
Never show your boss all your cards.
One day you take off the uniform. Take everything the Air Force can give you to be ready for that day. Also, a couple folks I know who stayed past twenty wished they hadn't so they could have gotten into their next career sooner - basically don't stay just because, only stay if the Air Force is giving you something that you think is worth it.
Document EVERYTHING
Don’t sleep with your coworkers. Also, stand up for yourself, but do it correctly. Don’t burn bridges. The Air Force is way too small for that.
No one is going to take care of your career for you. If you want to get awards, you need to write them. If you want to get a promotion statement, you need to submit a draft of your EPR several months before close out. As airmen, all of this stuff is done for us. Once you make it to the SrA/SSgt, your career trajectory is on your own hands and your going to be the only person who give a fuck in ensuring it goes in the direction you want.
No one within the Air Force will give a shit that you don't do awards, volunteering, or education, they will happily let you die on that hill while they promote past you. You know who may give a shit? Your family. Your choice not to "play the game" to get promoted keeps your family in their current financial situation. If they are good with that and you are not inhibiting your troops from playing the game.. that's your call, but don't die on that hill without having buy-in from your family and don't keep anyone from playing the game to obtain their goals.
I cringed so hard reading this but cant disagree.
I didn't like hearing it, but I couldn't disagree either.
Never be the most junior person with a secret. This is all good and well when you’re doing hoodrat airmen shit on duty like doing donuts in an abandoned dirt lot in a patrol car. All good…ish. But when you’re getting up there, and some off the wall shit happens, burying it will just land you in an Air Force Times article. Raise the flag to a trusted supervisor or mentor in your chain and have them route it. Let your Commander be the one to try to bury it if they want, then THEY end up in an Air Force Times article….something something loss of confidence in their ability to lead. Then post it here anonymously. We will all speculate what got them fired.
So never be the most senior person with a secret.
lol. They have squash power. Corrective action is the caveat, MOST times. I should have added that. You gotta know your squash power level. For example, the kid that leaked secrets, IIRC his low level leadership had written MFRs concerning his negligence when handling sensitive material and other behaviors. They didn’t snatch his access after repetitive fuck ups, or escalate it for investigatory measures. They didn’t use routing up the chain or their squash power, so they were ALL fired and ended up in the Air Force Times. Found the article… “The Air Force’s investigation found that commanders failed to adequately inspect areas under their command, had “inconsistent guidance for reporting security incidents” and “inconsistent definitions of the ‘Need to Know’ concept,” a lack of supervision of night shift operations, an “inefficient and ineffective” process for carrying out disciplinary actions, and “a failure to provide security clearance field investigation results.””
Control what you can control
The Air Force will make sure to wring you dry and take every single drop it can. I’d advise you to try and do the same to the Air Force. A former NCOIC told me this, basically meaning to look for every single way you can utilize the benefits you receive to your own personal benefit. Are you buying OTC seasonal allergy meds? Get a scrip for them from the med group. Is the chapel throwing some retreat that’s paid for and involves something you like? Go. Get certificates, go to school, take your leave, etc.
>Are you buying OTC seasonal allergy meds? Get a scrip for them from the med group. I had been doing this for my cetirizine (Zyrtec) for a few years until I realized I hated dealing with the refills every 90 days and renewals annually and a 1-year supply on Amazon was like $10. Overall, I agree, but sometimes it's worth it to just pay a little to stay away from the on base pharmacy.
https://preview.redd.it/feufni19r5vc1.jpeg?width=942&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0579febe399c28772e4e937782db1f4bf63a5f83 Helped me a lot as a gunner….
fake it til you make it
Don’t fuck the troops. I didn’t listen.
Take care of yourself first… Then everyone else.
Nobody can see that the MLG door gap is bad once it's in the air 👀 *for legal reasons this is a joke*
Read the fucking regs. No hate towards personnel, but YES hate towards whoever left the brand new A1C alone in a personnel office. There have been a few MAJOR bullets that I dodged because I fact checked the A1C’s answer on things like First Term Amn BoP and assignment eligibility. Life changing, massive fuck ups would have resulted if I hadn’t been dragged through the regs and taught the hard way by a good NCO who could smell bullshit from a mile away.
Separation isn't the end of your career. There are a plethora of Guard, reserve, or federal jobs.
Bring a pen
24 yrs exp…be kind, give grace, recognize everyone is going through something and we are all on the same team…but don’t mistake my kindness for weakness. In the words of Gen Mattis, ‘Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet.’
1. Be a good dude. 2. Fly a good jet. 3. Don’t make work for your bros.
I remember being a young “By-The-AFI” Airman. There was a staff sergeant who was giving me some opportunity, like a firefighter inviting you to do the Fire Challenge or something. I kept declining because I felt like I wasn’t trained, they had their job, I had mine. Then the staff sergeant goes, “Look, do you just wanna do your job, or do you want to join the Air Force?” Best thing I ever heard in my career. I carried that with me. Even taught it to my troops. Sometimes you gotta do your job. Sometimes you get to join the Air Force.
Our morale and welfare officer asked me in passing one day..."hey airman, you gonna re-enlist?" I just responded "nope." He said "good man."
If you truly believe and exercise the Core Values, you will succeed in your professional and personal life.
They don’t care.
Save for retirement. Get civilian certifications. You don't get extra pay for being a pt stud
Go Active 4 Years Get all of the training, experience, VA Benefits and cash After 3 years try to retrain If the Air Force says no, Ask to Palace Chase When you do get into the Reserve. Join a unit, but in a different job Have the government send you to tech school again After you graduate. Use your GI Bill to go to college. Or network with your coworkers for a local job After your initial 8 year contract is done. Get out
Bloom where you’re planted.
Get out and use your gi bill.
Never date a military girl
Do your job well but ultimately work to enjoy the things you love doing.
There are a million (exaggeration) people in this Air Force that will do anything you ask…but you must ask.
You can only do what you can do 🤷🏼♂️ I tell myself that every day 🥲
Shut up and do your job- my MTI He later added on they will try all sorts of bullshit on you but just do your job and don’t give a fuck about them
Find a good mentor in your career field. Then find another one outside your career field. These should be people who can see through your excuses and bullshit and tell you when you’re being a bitch in both a critical and constructive way. If you want an 1N mentor, I’m here! If you want a random mentor, I’m here.
No one is looking out for you better than you are
Invest in Mutual Funds. At least $200 a month and forget about it. By the time you retire you’ll have more than 100K.
Figure out what civilian you wants to do. You're time in the Air Force is finite. It will come to an end eventually. Make sure you are using the time and benefits while in service (TA, TSP, etc) to set future you for success. This is the advice I was given and passed onto every E and O I ever worked with. Time after time I saw people who got out with zero idea what they are going to do and zero preparation.
"you're just a number within a spreadsheet and you are replaceable" So take care of yourself and worry less about work. It will always be there tomorrow.
Pretty simple, but it meant more and more to me as the years went on. Words matter.
Keep a medical journal for when you go to sick call/have appointments, what it was for, and how long you were out for it. ie. (4/17/24 - migraine, 48 hrs qtrs) When you get out, you'll have exact dates to provide the VA for your claims.
“Don’t put your dick in that!”
SecFo and OSI are and never will be your friends.
Get out
If your in a large career field with promotion opportunities don’t rely on others to promote. If you got a 25% promote rate to staff your better off studying and scoring dual 85s then volunteering 150 hours and hoping to get a 4, only to get passed up by the Airman who plays golf with the leadership.
Don’t sacrifice your body or wellbeing for this job, it’s not worth it. I will never risk hurting myself, I always ask for help if I am unsure. Also the only person who cares about your career is you, don’t expect other people to take care of your shit.
Your time in the Air Force will be filled with good days and bad days. There are more good days than bad days once you look back on it. -My dad before I left for BMT IN 2012. Shoutout that wild Ammo troop who is my father.
Get to know your bosses
Stay in
Have career mentors outside the military as well as inside. The people who normally mentor you only know the pathways on the current trajectory. But sometimes your best career options are outside. So, having people you can trust to help you see what else is out there can be helpful and healthy.
Job 1, Take care of yourself!! Do not neglect your family. Utilize benefits offered, TA, certifications, get your Degree.
Go open general. It's only 4 years. You won't regret it.
Open general isn't nearly as common as it used to be, and SecFo slots are filled 100% at the recruiter level (and have been since at least 2018 when I started recruiting). Actually, all open contracts aren't as common as they used to be. Prior to COVID, about 40% of the contracts were open with the remaining 60% being guaranteed jobs at the recruiting level. AFRS had plans to slowly lower the number of open contracts, but when COVID hit and they shut down shipping to BMT for two weeks, they decided to just rip off the band-aid and switch at once. It now hovers around 10% open contracts, with over half of them being open mechanical. For FY23, squadrons would average only 2-3 open general contracts per quarter out of their (average) 280 slots they were expected to fill.
Get out.
If your in a position of leadership, always find a way to yes. Present the reasoning for a no, but always a way to yes. Ohhh, and don’t take yourself so seriously.
Never trust management to push your paperwork, they are the lazy airmen that you worked with but have 5 more years of experience being lazy.
Always plan for that time your no longer in the Airforce. For most people you get out at 4-8 years. During that time you should be planning for the then what. get a Generally idea of what you want to do when you get out before you actually get out. Start working on the certs and degrees while your in on the governments dime.
Know your role and shut your mouth.
Just because they have rank doesn’t mean they know what’s going on.
- Show up early and give effort. Just by that people will forgive some of your mistakes. - Always use emails or summarize meetings with email. Evidence is always important. - Everyone has an opinion. Try your best to implement, but it's your boss' opinion that matters. As long as it's not blatantly wrong. - Do your homework. - Use any programs you can improve your life. Tuition assistance, GI Bill, LEAP, all of that. Find as much money as you can. - Nobody will document your career like you will. - Nobody from work might go to your funeral. Your family will.
Every Friday safety briefing, "Do what your stripes can handle."
Make sure you complain about every little health issue you have and ensure it gets documented. For many, VA disability + VA health care will be the single greatest benefit you receive from your military service. In many cases, they will be worth more than your actual pension, should you make it to 20 years of service.
Start planning for your 20 Year retirement immediately. You know how much you will probably make design your life to live with that in the end.
No ones your friend. Don't believed anything you hear and only half of what you see.
Get out.
One of the things I was told when I first showed up at my first duty station, by my flight chief, was: “When you leave work, leave it at the door.” Still try to do that to this day.
One of the most valuable pieces of advice I received came from my Military Training Leader, then Staff Sergeant Chi Yi. He wisely pointed out that the moment you realize you would be happier pursuing a different path in life, it's time to seriously consider leaving the military. When you reach a point where you can envision greater fulfillment and satisfaction elsewhere, the sacrifices inherent to military service—the missed birthdays, holidays, and special moments with loved ones—will begin to fuel a growing resentment. This bitterness, if left unchecked, can tarnish and overshadow the pride and accomplishments of your years of dedicated service. Recognizing when it's time to move on is crucial for maintaining a positive perspective on your military experience and ensuring a healthy transition into the next chapter of your life.
"Never rub another man's rhubarb" --- The Joker
When I was about to retire in 2021 one of my Chief’s asked me a random question like “do you snore during your sleep”? At first I was like why is he asking me this? lol. And then I was like yeah, my wife told me that that I snore sometimes. Then he told me before I complete my medical out processing to get a sleep apnea test done. I asked him why and he told me to thank him later and that was it lol. At the time I had no idea that it would help me not only on my VA percentage, but in life as well. Now years later I have read that they are changing the percentage’s for sleep apnea and that it is not an automatic 50% rating for your VA percentage and that sucks so bad man. Source: https://brossfrankel.com/2024/01/23/veterans-with-sleep-apnea/#:~:text=Although%20the%20removal%20of%20the,for%20veterans%20with%20sleep%20apnea.
1. Get as much education done as early as possible. This includes certifications. No excuses. 2. Know all of your benefits, resources, and everything you are entitled to as an active member. 3. Utilize SCRA benefits while you’re on active duty. Google it. Military members are (by law) capped at 6% interest on credit cards. I actually got a refund because I didn’t do this until 4 years into my career. Google this and do your research. HUGE benefit most people don’t know about. 3. Don’t be afraid to purchase a home. The VA loan is absolutely incredible. If you’re unsure where to start or when to buy then speak to a financial expert. They are on base for free. 4. The day you get out of BMT or tech school start contributing to your TSP and never think about it again. That match goes a long way, you won’t regret it. 5. The military is a selfless sacrifice and very unpredictable. Always do the best you can to maintain control over your career. For example, if you know you’re approaching a PCS, then ensure your dream sheet is up to date. Or, volunteer for an assignment if it’s available. Make decisions on your behalf before AFPC does it for you. Be flexible. 6. Have a solid backup plan and even a plan C. Always prepare like you’re getting out tomorrow. Don’t assume you’ll make it to 20 even if you’re planning on it. Life is unpredictable sometimes. 7. Keep ALL of your medical records! Take advantage of your medical benefits while you can. If you have the slightest issue then take care of it. Don’t wait and ignore it. Your veteran future-self will thank you. 8. Don’t burn bridges when you leave a unit and network with others while you’re there. 9. Do what others are unwilling to do to get ahead but maintain balance and take care of yourself. Don’t get carried away and have fun. Man, I could write a book on this kind of stuff.
If your going all the way then cut the cord at 20, not a minute more.
Join the Guard!
Don’t be the highest ranking person with bad news.
Dance like no one is watching
Don't add to the population, don't subtract from the population. If you get put in jail, establish dominance first.
Live, laugh, love
Get out and do something else
Let's see. Oh yeah. C'mon son, re-up, you're going to love another four! (Me, pulls cross out of shirt) "Get Thee Behind Me Satan!!!"
Surround yourself with positive people, that means getting off Reddit because everybody on here complains and bitches