Chief says 'Every thing I needed to know, I learned in basic training'

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Bruce Blodgett
  • 436th Airlift Wing command chief
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  As I reflect back on the nearly 26 years spanning my military career, I have often thought about what lessons I have learned that have gotten me to where I am today. It occurred to me recently that the important things, the things that set me up for success and accolades in the Air Force, I learned in the first few weeks of indoctrination to basic military training.

First, I learned about following orders. As our bus emptied in front of the reception center at 2 a.m., we were greeted by the military technical instructor, who barked the seemingly ridiculous commands, “Pick ‘em up” and “Set ‘em down.” As we scrambled to pick up, balance and hold our luggage off the ground for what seemed like eternity, it made no sense at the time. However, the exercise laid the foundation for a lifetime of obeying the orders of the president and those officers appointed over me, which I have affirmed many times over during numerous reenlistment ceremonies. I now realize the importance of the chain of command to our military and the time-honored necessity of following the orders of those in charge.

I learned time management through the art of eating a full meal with dessert in a mere 5 – 10 minutes and to shower, without soap, in just 30 seconds. I learned to fold my underwear into six inch squares and follow the meticulous guidelines for locker inspections; both taught me the significance of attention to detail and strict compliance with orders and directions.

I realized the importance and necessity of common courtesy within our military society: always say “thank you,” “yes sir” and “no ma’am;” stand when addressing someone higher in rank; properly call superiors by their ranks and not their first names; correctly salute when required with snap and pride; use professional telephone etiquette; and basically treating others the way I would want to be treated.

I also learned the importance of teamwork and leadership, as I took over a squad leader position, and marched in formation on the drill pad and all across Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. I quickly realized that I was only as good as my weakest teammate – that we would not make it through those demanding weeks alone without depending on each other. I came to understand the loneliness and pressure of responsibility, as I stood fire guard and door guard duties – always fearful I would “wash back” in training.

I learned about diversity and how important it is to military – so many Airmen coming together from different parts of the country, economic backgrounds and cultures. Yet, everyone in basic training must work together in concert to accomplish the mission.
I realized the importance of hard work and dedication to study to a successful career. I spent endless hours in study guides learning about the history, traditions and standards of the U.S. Air Force. I also learned about right and wrong, and the core values we live by every day.

Yes, I can say I learned about life. However, at the time, I was just trying to survive and graduate.

These many lessons were taught and drilled into this young recruit more than 25 years ago, and they set the tempo for everything I need to remain successful today.
Do you remember your military training and are you still living by those lessons learned? I hope so, because they are as important today as they were then!

Some other significant lessons I have learned throughout my career occurred in professional military education. It’s with fondness and respect for the institution, I congratulate the Noncommissioned Officers Academy Class #06-5 who graduated from the McGuire Air Force Base Academy in New Jersey July 13. PME in all its forms, is what makes our Air Force and our enlisted corps the best in the world! Great job! Also, a special congratulations goes to Tech. Sgt. Anthony J. Gutka, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron, who was honored as a Distinguished Graduate from this class.

Military conferences are another great place to reinvigorate yourself on military traditions, learn from other servicemembers and form a larger picture of how the Air Force operates as a whole. I am currently at Scott AFB, Ill., at a command chief and spouse conference. My wife and I listened to our Air Mobility Command Commander, Gen. Duncan J. McNabb, as he praised the hard work, dedication and professionalism of all our AMC men and women during this difficult time in our Nation’s history. He emphasized to us all, and I agree, that the key to success in this time of seemingly endless change and turmoil is the sustained excellence of all our people, and our continued adherence to our most basic core values and competencies.

Thanks for all you do each and every day, and never forget those valuable lessons you learned in basic training!