My grass is greener on this side of fence

  • Published
  • By Capt. Shannon Smith
  • 14th Security Forces Squadron commander
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. (AFPN) --  I got a call recently from the security forces deployment manager at Air Education and Training Command, a person I've become well acquainted with during my brief tenure as a squadron commander.

He asked me if my unit could "step up to the plate" and support yet another out-of-cycle deployment tasking.

Such is life in today's operational Air Force. Many Airmen in my unit have deployed four or five times, and that is just during their first term of enlistment. These deployments take their toll on individuals, their families and the people at home station who work twice the hours just to keep things going in their absence.

All these factors beg the question we all ask ourselves at one point or another: Is the grass greener on the other side?

Three years ago, I received a flier from a very reputable recruiting firm. The company specializes in placing military officers with four to 10 years of service into top-tier corporate jobs across the country. I had received these fliers before and always tossed them in the trash, but this time I hung onto one because I was starting to get burned out.

I had recently returned from a remote assignment only to be rewarded with a 14-hour-a-day, six-day-a-week job with no relief in sight. My wife and I were expecting our first child and were entertaining thoughts of permanently moving closer to home. With all this in mind, I called the number on the flier.

After attending the company's initial presentation, I interviewed and was accepted as a candidate for the corporate placement program. Shortly thereafter, I informed my commander of my intention to separate from active duty.

My military background significantly enhanced my value to corporate America. I'll never forget what one potential employer said to me during an interview. He asked me, "Do you know why we like to hire military people?" In my infinite wisdom, I rattled off several impressive, detailed responses. None were what he was looking for. He simply stated, "Because they show up for work on time."

Never before or since has anyone so completely encapsulated the high caliber of military people with such a brief, yet powerful comment.

Soon after the interview, I accepted a great offer to work for one of America's largest companies. The base salary was significantly higher than my military pay, the medical plan and stock options were first rate, and the location was just a couple hours from home.

After a month or so, I realized I was doing a lot less work than I ever did in the military. The job was everything I dreamed of. But surprisingly, I dreaded going to work every day.

Why, you ask? I found I missed the camaraderie. I missed the smell of jet fuel. I missed the Air Force song. I missed putting on the uniform. I missed being around people who come together when their backs are against the wall and make extraordinary things happen.

But most important, I missed being a part of something larger than myself. I missed being part of the world's greatest air and space force and prayed desperately for the opportunity to return.

As an improving economy enhances the job market and the war on terror gets tougher, you, like me, might find yourself contemplating the merits of life outside the Air Force.

When you do, remember this: You'll never be associated with a finer group of people, nor will you answer a more noble calling than the one to serve your country and protect our way of life.

The intense job satisfaction that comes from such an honorable pursuit is something I didn't truly appreciate until I stepped away from the military. Fortunately, the Air Force welcomed me back with open arms.

Just five months after separating, I returned to active duty with a renewed passion for my profession that the bigger paycheck, great location and fantastic benefits could never spark during my brief stint in corporate America.

For me, the grass is definitely greener on this side of the fence, and this is where I intend to stay for a very long time.