Discipline; Workplace diligence Published Oct. 17, 2008 By Lt. Col. Jason Denney 90th Missile Maintenance Squadron F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- I recently attended my children's karate tournament in Colorado Springs, Colo. They've been in Universal Kempo Karate for about two years, and they decided they'd like to attend a tournament. Normally, they train twice per week, but in the weeks prior to the tournament, they attended additional training sessions tailored specifically for the event. When we arrived there were hundreds of children, teens and adults, all dressed similarly: black martial arts uniforms with a colored belt representing their rank. I quickly realized I'd best keep an eye on my three wanna-be ninjas, or I might lose them in the crowd. We had a great time, and my kids even earned medals in their events. One of the most impressive events I saw was the blackbelt competitions. Blackbelts of various degrees paired against one another to spar for two one-minute rounds. They would enter the ring, bow to the senior judge, bow to each other and then on command, they'd go at it. Kicks and punches flew with amazing speed and precision, each trying to simultaneously score hits while defending against their opponent's attacks. When the match was finished, the competitors would bow to each other, bow to the senior judge and leave the ring. I was impressed. As I watched them demonstrate their craft, I couldn't help but think about what they went through to get to this level -- the countless hours spent in training, beginning as white belts and working at basic punch, kick techniques. They continue to perfect techniques as they progress through various other belts, only earning black belt after years of demanding labor and discipline. For many, it doesn't stop there. After the black belt comes various degrees as they further refine their art, always seeking to better themselves. And it struck me; the discipline it took to get them to this point is no different than what we do in ICBMs. We enter our career fields as white belts, learning the basics of how to use a technical order, how to run a vehicle check and the effective range of an M-4 rifle. We work in the office, the missile procedures trainer or the field to hone those fundamentals. As we learn and grow, we upgrade our "belts" and become an NCO in charge or team chief. At some point, we might become instructors or evaluators. Eventually, we may be commanders, senior or chief master sergeants. But like the blackbelts, we never really have full mastery of our art. We should never stop learning and growing in our craft, especially considering the standard under which we live. So I ask you, my fellow ICBM professionals -- what color is your "belt?" If you're in a "blackbelt" job, are you continuing to perfect and hone your skills, or are you allowing yourself to stagnate? What will happen to you in those two one-minute rounds after you bow to the judge and then to your opponent? Will you score points and defend his attacks? Do you have the discipline to continue to grow in our military profession? Because at the end of the match, it won't be a gold, silver or bronze medal waiting. What we're trying to earn is the trust and respect of the American public. That, my fellow missile professionals, deserves our best efforts every time we enter the ring. Do you have the necessary discipline?