Posted on Jan 26, 2015
Nervous about first duty station; how can I be the best I can be?
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I have just arrived at my first duty station. I have been assigned to the 88th security forces squadron. I am just about to start my training. I am a bit nervous because I want to be the best I can be, but am a bit unsure of myself because I feel that the technical training after basic didn't really give me the confidence I was hoping for. Any advice?
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Duty
Duty
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 24
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Hit your CDC's as hard as you can.
Volunteer to get task certified for as many duty positions as reasonably possible (LE, security, desk sgt, Raven school, RST)
Get involved with AFSA and your local first four org.
AFTER your CDCs start knocking out some college for your CCAF!
Find a mentor.
Track EVERYTHING you do, you will need it for your EPR, 1206s and BTZ package
Volunteer to get task certified for as many duty positions as reasonably possible (LE, security, desk sgt, Raven school, RST)
Get involved with AFSA and your local first four org.
AFTER your CDCs start knocking out some college for your CCAF!
Find a mentor.
Track EVERYTHING you do, you will need it for your EPR, 1206s and BTZ package
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SGT (Join to see)
I was obviously never Air Force so I can't comment on the majority of what TSgt Joshua Copeland said, but I can definitely reinforce the importance of an "I love me" book. Every training certificate, every award, every piece of important paperwork you receive should go in a binder and be kept safe. No one will care more about your career than you, and keeping track of what you've done and received is an important part of that.
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TSgt Joshua Copeland
SGT (Join to see), I tell my troops something to that effect all the time. You will have good bosses and bad bosses. The only person you can count on to truly care about your career is you, so take care of it!
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Lt Col (Join to see)
1. Choose your friends and training partners carefully, they can either boost you up or hinder you. As you're going through training, good friends can make the difference between pass / fail / excel.
2). Observe your peers, superiors, officers and SNCOs in action - take notes of what you see that you like, what you don't like. What seems effective, and what doesn't. Literally, take notes - whether you handwrite it down or type it into a word document or an email to yourself or whatever your preferred technique.
3) Try to work on detached observation of your own performance, strengths and weaknesses - honest self-assessment without emotion can help you deal with setbacks, and also not get overly confident or cocky.
4) Be flexible - training is never perfect - it will always include things that don't reflect the real world, or teach information and skills you don't need or are out of date, etc - don't let one outdated briefing or exercise turn into "I'm going to sh*tcan all of this."
5) If you want a mindset to adopt to help you build that confidence you want throughout training, I'm a fan of the "Plan-Brief-Execute-Debrief" model. It forces you to think ahead, set goals, DO, and then evaluate how you did and how you'll do better.
2). Observe your peers, superiors, officers and SNCOs in action - take notes of what you see that you like, what you don't like. What seems effective, and what doesn't. Literally, take notes - whether you handwrite it down or type it into a word document or an email to yourself or whatever your preferred technique.
3) Try to work on detached observation of your own performance, strengths and weaknesses - honest self-assessment without emotion can help you deal with setbacks, and also not get overly confident or cocky.
4) Be flexible - training is never perfect - it will always include things that don't reflect the real world, or teach information and skills you don't need or are out of date, etc - don't let one outdated briefing or exercise turn into "I'm going to sh*tcan all of this."
5) If you want a mindset to adopt to help you build that confidence you want throughout training, I'm a fan of the "Plan-Brief-Execute-Debrief" model. It forces you to think ahead, set goals, DO, and then evaluate how you did and how you'll do better.
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I would say to you by asking this question you are already doing what you should to succeed. I don't speak Air Force but TSgt Joshua Copeland is a great example to follow. There are some great folks on here who can mentor and help you. Just listen to them. Good luck at your first duty station!
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Here's the key, SrA (Join to see) ... You wrote: "I want to be the best I can be." That's the bottom line. Hold onto that attitude and you will excel! Keep being all you can be. That's key. Work hard. Prepare. Do your best. Good luck.
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Be upfront and honest with your concerns and reach out to some 1st line NCO's in your unit who YOU feel have their act together (You will find that they stand out amongst their peers). Asking to be mentored and putting your trust in your unit's leadership is a safe bet. They won't let you down. If you are religious,.......a little communication with the almighty is never a bad idea. Hang tough little brother and good luck. V/R, Uncle Mark.
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MAJ David Vermillion
Very good words of encouragement to a young person. Be humble and learn from those who have the experiences that can benefit you in achieving success.
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Do as your told, put in the effort, and always ask your NCOs questions on how you can learn your job better. They'll be happy to help! I was told when I first got in that every assignment you have is the best one for you at the time and every base is the best place you can be. Keep that mind set and you'll go far!
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No one expects you to be perfect straight out of training when you arrive at your first real duty station. Listen to your first line supervisor and seek out mentorship opportunities at every chance. As the saying goes fake it until you make it. With time and experience the confidence will come.
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Keep your head up and ears open. Your new command is not going to expect you to know how to do everything. However, they will expect you to be observant, obedient, and responsive. Listen, receive, and comprehend the guidance and mentorship your seniors give. Take every opportunity given to better yourself personally and professionally. Always strive to be the "go-to guy." Make every effort to stand out. Openly seek a mentor-mentee relationship with a senior you hold in high regard. And don't lose sight of the attitude you have right now. With the right head on your shoulders, you will meet and exceed the expectations of your command.
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Being an Army career Soldier, my knowledge of the Air Force operations is limited. Although there are differences, there are even more similarities. Being fresh out of training, they are not expecting you to know everything there is to know about your specialty. They will expect you to work hard, be open minded to advice and suggestions, and continue to show enthusiasm and eagerness to be the best you can be. Always remember that first impressions when arriving at a new duty station are key. Listen to your leaders and continue to show eagerness to learn about your job.
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SrA (Join to see)
Thank you SFC, one thing I've always had in everything I do is motivation. I am ambitious, and ready to learn. I take everything I do very seriously. Especially this job, lives are in my hand if I become complacent and don't pay attention to detail. Being humble will only let me learn. Thank you for your input. It's greatly appreciated.
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SGT (Join to see)
SFC (Join to see), you took my thoughts and expressed them better than I did. Couldn't put it better.
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SFC (Join to see)
A1C Daehnert- I think you are on the right path. Keep that positive "can do" attitude and I think you will do great. You are on the right path to becoming a NCO.
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SrA (Join to see), Its about desire, dedication and determination. Have a good attitude and be mindful in respects to willing to learn and be part of a team. Ultimately it will enhance DUTY HONOR COUNTRY for time served. Stay away from the troublemakers and surround yourself with positive comrades. I wish you the best and LEARN AS MUCH AS YOU CAN.
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You took the first step by asking this very important question. :)
TSgt Joshua Copeland is correct in all aspects.
OK, how much room do I have to write? Lol
-Find a mentor that isn't the guy/gal that lets you out early on Fridays, but the one that challenges you and keeps you interested
-Stay engaged
-Do not be afraid to ask pertinent but respectful questions
-Leaders come in all shapes and styles. Good or bad, learn from those experiences
-Always respect rank but do not fear it
-Have a plan but don't get dismayed if that plan derails. It means that a bigger better one is in store
-Learn the rank structure for all Services. You will eventually be in a Joint environment and will get torn up by a Gunnery Sergeant or Chief Petty Officer for calling him/her, "Sir/Ma'am"
-You will not get along with everyone. Not everyone will like you. You will not like everyone. True in kindergarten; True in the military
-ALWAYS take the high road. Everyone f*cks up. It is how you handle that f*ck-up that separates the big dogs from the pups.
You're GTG, SrA (Join to see). Before you know it, you will be answering these questions on RP.
You can message me if you have any questions you want to ask offline. Between us AF types and all. :)
TSgt Joshua Copeland is correct in all aspects.
OK, how much room do I have to write? Lol
-Find a mentor that isn't the guy/gal that lets you out early on Fridays, but the one that challenges you and keeps you interested
-Stay engaged
-Do not be afraid to ask pertinent but respectful questions
-Leaders come in all shapes and styles. Good or bad, learn from those experiences
-Always respect rank but do not fear it
-Have a plan but don't get dismayed if that plan derails. It means that a bigger better one is in store
-Learn the rank structure for all Services. You will eventually be in a Joint environment and will get torn up by a Gunnery Sergeant or Chief Petty Officer for calling him/her, "Sir/Ma'am"
-You will not get along with everyone. Not everyone will like you. You will not like everyone. True in kindergarten; True in the military
-ALWAYS take the high road. Everyone f*cks up. It is how you handle that f*ck-up that separates the big dogs from the pups.
You're GTG, SrA (Join to see). Before you know it, you will be answering these questions on RP.
You can message me if you have any questions you want to ask offline. Between us AF types and all. :)
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CMSgt (Join to see)
Thank you, Gentlemen! I keep looking around when someone calls me (anticipatory) "Chief". I'm like "Where? Where is that wise and sagely Chief? Me? Oh sh*t." Haha.
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