Defining your profession

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Michael Logar
  • 5th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) --  How do you define your profession?

Not too long ago in my previous job, I was invited to a unit's luncheon with fellow Airmen as one of the members in the official travel party. You know the type of luncheon ... a visiting group is in town and the unit wants to entertain them for a little while with the troops. 

The topics at these events usually range from the latest weapon system to how we are taking care of Airmen. These are all important and relevant topics that allow additional insight we may not have had prior to the event. However, at this particular luncheon, the discussion turned to a person's profession.

The question came from a young captain and was rather simple: how do you become successful in our career field?

You see, the captain was concerned that his chosen career field was not poised for success due in part to a number of factors well beyond his control. My mind raced for some good explanation while other members in my party gave their answers.

I searched to recall the latest promotion statistics and some manner of material learned in professional military education textbooks and lectures. Yet, for all this background, it was a rather dry and abstract explanation that swirled in the back of my mind. I needed something a little more concrete.

Then it dawned on me. We all wear two hats as members of the military. We have a technical badge that we wear on the uniform and we have our rank. With each of these comes a different set of expectations.

If I'm an aircraft maintainer, I am obligated to be the best maintainer I can be. Progression and success is measured by skill level designation or by the adornment on my technical badge. Instructing at a schoolhouse is another distinction, and becoming an evaluator in your specialty sets you apart from your peers. Still we all know that technical competence is only part of the story. It only gets you so far.

The other hat is symbolized by our rank. With our rank we are expected to lead at all levels as an enlisted member or officer. We are expected to mentor, praise, discipline and coach those we supervise. It is not easy and it takes time, but it is rewarding.

Our rank embodies those leadership aspects found in textbooks, the core values, and those practiced daily by others around us. Charging ahead at each opportunity and phase in our career gives us the foundation for promotion. Each promotion selection recognizes that we've demonstrated the potential to serve in a higher grade, and we are correspondingly ready for more responsibility.

To answer the captain's question -- really a question about how we define our profession -- is a composite of our technical competence and our leadership responsibility symbolized by our rank. To succeed, you have to work hard at both aspects. If your career field is undergoing changes, remember that technical competence is the foundation, but demonstrated leadership at all levels will take you far in the Air Force, no matter the obstacle. 

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