What do you do
When you're not sure why you joined and when things like patriotism and serving your country are kind of hazy? I've only been in a month over a year and have only seen Texas and Minot, ND. This isn't good, especially given the nature of my job. What can I do to get the spark and drive back?
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for a living? Or what are your retired from?
I run my family's building material dealership.
(I'm bored too)
***Father, Husband, and all around Nice Guy***0 -
when you go to a web site and can't hit your back button to get rid of it? In fact I had to go back to my home page to get away from it, (car dealer) 0 -
You could start by hazing the newbees[}:)][:D]
Don0 -
We haven't had a nub since October, and the next ones coming are female. 0 -
Travis was in right at a year, and was bored in Kansas. Who wouldn't be? I mean, it's KANSAS, for crying out loud. He jumped on the opportunity to transfer to a company that was being deployed to Iraq and, while he still has boring times there, at least it isn't Kansas.
Volunteer to go where the action is, dude.0 -
Honestly Cat...ask for a deployment even if it outside your AFSC. I have taken alot that had nothing to do with my primary AFSC whenever I got to the point of being bored.
I have seen some nice and not so nice places...but it has been worth it to me for the last 25 years.0 -
Volunteer for deployment with an AEF that's going over. I haven't deployed for awhile (My ANG unit is undergoing BRAC changes)and it does start to make you wonder why we're doing it. I don't know if the active AF will let you do something like that but on the ANG side they're always looking for people to deploy with other ANG units. 0 -
This has nothing to do with your question but just wondering.
I think I remember you saying something about you working on B-52's?
Not knowing exactly how the Air Force works, what's the chances of you getting stationed down here in LA. at Barksdale AFB? This is one of the biggest B-52 bases in the US I think.
Ben0 -
If deployment is what you are looking for to get some spark, all worldwide qualified AF members are assigned to an AEF bucket. Get with your UDM to find out you AEF bucket assignment. With regards to PCS, there is a huge $$$ shortage and command leveling ... not to mention massive presidential budget decision cuts ... all tied in to the weapons modernization initiatives.
If you have not done so already, obtain your 5-skill level. Take some classes (work on your next degree program) to keep you busy. Good luck!0 -
Go to Hooters. Might only help for a while though. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by catpealer111
When you're not sure why you joined and when things like patriotism and serving your country are kind of hazy? I've only been in a month over a year and have only seen Texas and Minot, ND. This isn't good, especially given the nature of my job. What can I do to get the spark and drive back?
Thank you for serving, catpealer111.
My comments here goes to "now warming up in the bullpen". I've never been in service and so I'm offering you a civilian's point of view here.
One never knows when he or she will be called upon to "enter the game" at a critical point so perhaps it's wise to use the quiet time you have here in the USA to refine, hone and expand upon your individual skillset, the techniques you've learned in life and in service and the wisdom you have gained from both so far. Stay loose, keep warmed up and be ready.
If and when the time comes - and it may very well come soon enough - you will know that you ARE without any doubt whatsoever the very best that you can be and that you can come into the "game" and be fully effective.
No matter if you get called or not, Godspeed to you and your buds. And remeber the old saying, "They serve too, who stand and wait." It's very true.0 -
Yes, thank you for serving!
I think that life in the military becomes more interesting as you acquire some time in grade and some additional rank. The first four years or so is the "hard time" in my opinion.
I had a friend that entered the Air Force in 1960, the same time I did. He was put in the Air Police as an airman 3rd class in upper Michigan guarding a Bomark Missile Site. Boring to the max.
He put in some time, became a Master Sargent, earned a degree, then went to OCS and worked up to Major. They Paid for him to earn a MS during his career. Had quite a life, was in charge of guarding Air Force One for a time and went on to a high paying job in private industry in security. Had a heck of a career.
Persistance is the key. Keep inproving yourself and make good contacts! Its all about having good relationships with folks who become sucessful and who ask for you later on to become a part of their team. Take night classes to pick up college credits, this is one way to move up quickly and get the attention of superiors plus it keeps you busy.
I chose to get out after four years and the college credit I earned during my four years lead to a career in Finance.
Good luck with your career!0 -
quote:Originally posted by nunn
Travis was in right at a year, and was bored in Kansas. Who wouldn't be? I mean, it's KANSAS, for crying out loud. He jumped on the opportunity to transfer to a company that was being deployed to Iraq and, while he still has boring times there, at least it isn't Kansas.
Volunteer to go where the action is, dude.
This is a really shallow reply, I would have really expected more of you.0 -
quote:Travis was in right at a year, and was bored in Kansas. Who wouldn't be? I mean, it's KANSAS, for crying out loud.
Yeah, but it could be much, much worse, it could be Texas for crying out loud.0 -
quote:Originally posted by jbw1776
This has nothing to do with your question but just wondering.
I think I remember you saying something about you working on B-52's?
Not knowing exactly how the Air Force works, what's the chances of you getting stationed down here in LA. at Barksdale AFB? This is one of the biggest B-52 bases in the US I think.
Ben
I'm a crew chief on the BUFF. Its either here in Minot or down in Barksdale. Right now, its unlikely I'll go to LA, they've been moving people up here because we're undermaned. They're taking crew chiefs off of the B-1 and sending them up here, we're that short.0 -
Forgive me if I'm rude, but you sound to be a very complex and conflicted individual. We've heard how you don't want much additional responsibility or be targeted for potential promotion. Happy to just turn wrenched, but they see you as someone brighter than average. It has sounded as they want you to take a different course because they see potential leadership, but that's not exactly what you want. Now you sound to be looking for more challenges. Do you know what you want?
Your a bright guy. Think about what looks best on a resume once you decide to get out. Think about what is best for you should you decide on a long term career in the Air Force. In any case, be the best you can be, and try to be in the top twenty five percentile in everything you do.
Be grateful that there are those that see potential in you and want to bring it out. I've come across it once in the civilian world where the direct supervisor actually suppress anyone that took to much interest in the work and showed ambition.0 -
quote:Originally posted by catpealer111
We haven't had a nub since October, and the next ones coming are female.
What, did you give up on those too?[:0]
Don't ask, don't tell?[}:)][}:)][:D]
Don0 -
quote:Originally posted by catpealer111
quote:Originally posted by jbw1776
This has nothing to do with your question but just wondering.
I think I remember you saying something about you working on B-52's?
Not knowing exactly how the Air Force works, what's the chances of you getting stationed down here in LA. at Barksdale AFB? This is one of the biggest B-52 bases in the US I think.
Ben
I'm a crew chief on the BUFF. Its either here in Minot or down in Barksdale. Right now, its unlikely I'll go to LA, they've been moving people up here because we're undermaned. They're taking crew chiefs off of the B-1 and sending them up here, we're that short.
I see. Well if you do get sent down here let me know.
Boy what a temp. change that would be for you.[:0][:D]
Ben0 -
sounds like there playing mind games, fancy iraq?? they do ![;)]
get to Uk, germany,italy........have fun..[:)]0 -
quote:Originally posted by dongizmo
quote:Originally posted by catpealer111
We haven't had a nub since October, and the next ones coming are female.
What, did you give up on those too?[:0]
Don't ask, don't tell?[}:)][}:)][:D]
Don
I'm married, sort of, I think.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Captplaid
It has sounded as they want you to take a different course because they see potential leadership, but that's not exactly what you want.
I'm a terrible leader, I don't know what I should do half the time let alone having someone else following me.0 -
Sounds like the long winter up north is getting to you. Don't do anything drastic until at least early summer. 0 -
Leadership comes with experience and experience takes time. I'll have been in 20 years tomorrow and I still have doubts. It will get better with time. 0 -
You could be with my niece's husband in Alaska 
Dude, like someone else said, start studying, testing, etc. Enroll in some college classes if you can (where I work we have lots of SACS accedited courses available totally online), if it is that bad then at least you'll have *something* more when you decide not to re-up.
The opportunity for whatever excitement you want is out there, you might just have to go looking for it.0 -
Caterpillar I like to hear that you are bored, means we are not at thermonuclear war yet, right...
I don't know much about the Air Force but in the Army there is a Form 4187 that when properly filled out and signed by your commander can work wonders... find the AF version and put in for a tour to the Azores I think theres a few AF slots open right now... or maybe Eagle Base, Tuzla.
Nunn is right though, the military doesn't get interesting until you leave CONUS.0 -
quote:Originally posted by catpealer111
quote:Originally posted by Captplaid
It has sounded as they want you to take a different course because they see potential leadership, but that's not exactly what you want.
I'm a terrible leader, I don't know what I should do half the time let alone having someone else following me.
Sounds like 1/2 the butter bars I ever met. Your confidence will come with experience, and if you can't dazzle them with intelligence, baffle them with bulls h i t
now how about some pics of the soon to be ex[}:)][:0][}:)]
Don0 -
quote:Originally posted by dongizmo
quote:Originally posted by catpealer111
quote:Originally posted by Captplaid
It has sounded as they want you to take a different course because they see potential leadership, but that's not exactly what you want.
I'm a terrible leader, I don't know what I should do half the time let alone having someone else following me.
Sounds like 1/2 the butter bars I ever met. Your confidence will come with experience, and if you can't dazzle them with intelligence, baffle them with bulls h i t
now how about some pics of the soon to be ex[}:)][:0][}:)]
Don
I've learned there is a difference in directing and leading. People full of confidence in themselves make great director. Often times they are to lazy or arrogant to learn and gain the experience to lead. They think they can just tell others what to do to get by.
Some people need this. People who need to be told when to wake up and when to go to bed need strong directorship. People who need to be coerced to work need supervision that rides them to get performance.
Leading is a completely different animal. It comes through experience. Knowledge of the process allow a supervisor to stand in the midst of the problem and help others through it. As opposed to the director who rather than offer help, screams and shouts demand better performance from others.
When of employees what to do the best job possible, a leader is far better than a director. The leader assists the employees to bring out the best. The director stands back and just demands.
There is a time and place for each. Unfortunately, people often misinterpret strong directing abilities as leadership. The strong director is often times an idiot full of BS!
The guy who can do both equally well are few and rare. Add a proper dose of humility and you have a person that has potential.
Me? Once I have the knowledge and experience, I am a decent leader. Place me in a position with a bunch of guys that hate to work and do whatever they can to get out of it, and my limitations in directing show. I've learned to improve my directing abilities, but I still try to rely more on my ability to know the process. The more confidence I have in knowing the job and the process, the more confidence in my abilities to direct.
Enough of my blathering. Now how about showing Don some pics of the soon to be ex.0 -
quote:quote:
Originally posted by nunn
Travis was in right at a year, and was bored in Kansas. Who wouldn't be? I mean, it's KANSAS, for crying out loud. He jumped on the opportunity to transfer to a company that was being deployed to Iraq and, while he still has boring times there, at least it isn't Kansas.
Volunteer to go where the action is, dude.
This is a really shallow reply, I would have really expected more of you.
Nothing shallow about it, merely reporting what my son told me. He was bored stiff in Kansas, and hated it there. He was drawing a paycheck, but he didn't feel that he was doing anything useful. He volunteered to go to Iraq, partly to be where the action is, and partly to get out of Kansas.
Maybe I misread the young man's post. I understood that he was bored with his present assignment and wasn't feeling challenged.
Maybe you think I am shallow for slamming Kansas. It is sort of an inside joke. I spent a lot of time in Kansas when married to the ex, since all her family is there. There is some beautiful country in Kansas. You just have to look real hard to find it.0 -
Kansas is better than Nebraska in my opinion. Though not by much. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by ljwrench
Leadership comes with experience and experience takes time. I'll have been in 20 years tomorrow and I still have doubts. It will get better with time.
Yer born with leadership.0
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