What Rank Was The Most Challenging But Rewarding?

Looking back after 36 years in the militant I would say that the rank of Maj was the challenging but also the most rewarding. At this point there was so much to accomplish with PME , deployments , on going civilian education, establishing clear leadership for those I want to set the example for. Finding balance in my own family life while at the same time looking to the future for continuing further advancement in rank.

When I attained the Rank of E5 (FTG2), late 1974 while onboard the USS Wainwright CG28, I became the work Center Supervisor, Damage Control PO for 2nd Division, Watch Station Assigning PO, Maintenace PO for the FTG's, and assisted with Morning Quarters, at first it seemed Overwhelming, but later I began to enjoy my newly assigned Task, "Go Navy", my late Father who retired from the Navy Suggested when I made E5 that I learn how to Step on Someone's Shoes and not mess up the Shine.

The rank that was the most challenging but rewarding for me was E-5 Petty Officer 2nd class. I had all the responsibilities of an E-6 witch was challenging but also helped me to learn how to manage and lead other sailors.

SPECIALEST E5

Quartermaster Second Lieutenant responsible for 44 enlisted soldiers was the most challenging, frustrating, but also the most rewarding. This was just after the Vietnam War and after the last draft call on December 7, 1972, and the expiration of the authority to induct on June 30, 1973. My Platoon Sergeant who was a short timer was was just going through the motions and not any help. Effectively, this Platoon Sergeant was relieved and a lower ranking sergeant performed the duties of Platoon Sergeant. Of the 44 soldiers under my leadership, 42 had not finished high school and 2 had a choice jail or the army. In 2 years, my platoon became the best performing platoon in the company. Our equipment readiness for combat was the highest. My platoon was able to successfully perform the difficult and dangerous hot refueling of Huey and Cobra helicopters. Hot refueling is dangerous because the helicopters never shut down with helicopter blades swirling just feet overhead as highly highly flammable jet fuel is poured into their fuel tanks. One spark from the helicopter's engines or one spark from static electricity generated by the jet fuel racing through the fuel lines would cause an unbelievable explosion killing the pilots and the soldiers refueling the helicopter. Thank God this nightmare explosion never occurred on my watch.

The most rewarding and challenging rank was as an AF Staff Sergeant (SSgt). When you are a young airman you are a mentor to your fellow airman and help each other out where you can. Once you become an Non Commissioned Officer (NCO) (aka SSgt), then you have more responsibility because you become a supervisor to those you were once working alongside. Now, you work alongside them but the difference is, they work for you as well as alongside you. I miss the comradery and friendships that came alongside bein active duty. No regrets! Proud to be an Airman (Retired!)

Making Lt Col and being selected for squadron command. This validated my years of dedication and determination to be an Air Force leader.

Buck Sargent - USAF - E4 - GEEIA, electronic installations... fitted my civilian training!

E-1 was probably the most challenging because I had to overcome quite a bit in my life. But it was basic training that got me through everything building a team relationship with all of my buddies. When I graduated from basic I did not have a single family member show up and I looked across the field and I saw a band of brothers that was there for me and had my back for life. I will never forget that moment with all those brothers.

I think being an E-5 (HM2) was the hardest yet easily the most rewarding because those junior to me seemed to trust and connect with their HM2s. My junior staff 99% of the time are making the mission happen - I'm just there to help them grow. Hardest because I was stuck in the middle of being an LPO/middle manager while still being junior myself - a grey area where I relied on my peers for personal and professional connection to care for myself.