Every day opportunity

  • Published
  • By Maj. Sean McMurray
  • 736 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  In the past seven days, I have had the privilege of attending an Airman Leadership School graduation dinner, a Wing Annual Awards Banquet and a noncommissioned officer academy graduation.

I can't think of many organizations that take their junior members out of the workplace and send them to school for six weeks to teach them how to be effective supervisors.

I also can't think of many organizations that plan an elaborate dinner and awards ceremony to recognize their employees' outstanding performance every year.

Finally, what other organization would take their mid-level employees out of the workplace for another six weeks to further hone their leadership skills?

In each of these examples, I believe the Air Force has no equal - not among private industry and not even among our sister services - for providing employees incomparable opportunities. The question is - are you making the most of these unique opportunities, and the most of the opportunity of simply being in the Air Force?

As the Air Force continues to work toward its mandated end strength of 332,800 by the end of fiscal year 2012, the opportunity to serve in the Air Force will continue to become limited. This year alone, the Air Force is looking to cut approximately 2,000 officers from the active-duty ranks through reduction in force boards, selective early retirement boards and reduced promotion rates.

It is no different for the enlisted ranks. Recurring date of separation "roll backs" and reduced accessions will continue to make it a more selective and competitive environment just to serve.

In short, the opportunity to serve in this Air Force should not be taken for granted. As with many other things in life one never knows what the next day holds.

So, what are you doing with your opportunity to serve?

Motivation to make the most of our opportunities in the Air Force seems to come easier after milestones in our career. I would argue that most people who graduate from any formal Professional Military Education course head back to their workplace determined to make the most of what they've learned and the opportunity they have to "make a difference."

I would also argue it is easier to want to make the most of your opportunity in this Air Force when you have just walked across the stage as an annual award winner - or even a nominee. The key, though, is to not wait until these milestones approach to realize the opportunity that each one of us have while serving in the military.

There are countless ways to do this:

Do your job to the best of your ability - every moment of every day. Mentor someone. Set the example through your dress and appearance. Do whatever you can to make your boss's job easier. Do whatever you can to make your subordinates job easier. Think of ways to improve your work processes. Think of ways to leave your work environment better than you found it. I could list 27 more ideas to fill six more paragraphs - but you get the point.

Have you made the most of your opportunity today? If not, what are you waiting for?