Your career, your responsibility

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Mike Tryon
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  Everyone in the military has been told at one time or another that your career is your responsibility, but what exactly does that mean?

Well, quite simply, it means that your career is only limited to what you make of it.

Sure, your supervisor, trainers, mentors or first sergeants are there to help you along, but ultimately it's up to you and you alone.

Take education, for example. Leadership stresses the importance of getting an associate's degree through the Community College of the Air Force, as it helps you later on in your career. But, how many first-term Airmen do you see actively pursuing their degrees? Granted a few will take a class here or a CLEP there, but usually they end up waiting until much later in their career to finish up the two or three classes they need for the degree. And by that time, it's almost too late.

The bottom line is, the sooner you get your degree, the sooner that monkey is off your back.

The same holds true for upgrade training and promotion testing. Sure, there are some time constraints on upgrade training, but it's important to stay on top of it. Don't wait for a scheduled training day to get signed off on something. If you know there is something you can get signed off on right now, then bring it up to your supervisor or training manager.

Everyone should know when their current testing cycle is. If you want that next rank, study and do whatever else it takes to get an edge on the competition.

Supervisors and leadership also stress the importance of volunteering within your unit and in the local community. Not only does volunteering show pride in what you do, but it also makes you feel good. Another bonus is, it looks great on evaluation reports and awards packages. However, unless you pursue volunteer opportunities, you're going to miss out.

The bottom line is, it's your responsibility to get the information, direction and guidance you need to succeed. Asking for help is one way that shows you care about where your career is going. Supervisors, trainers, mentors and other people are there to assist you along your career. It's part of their job description. Something you could do before asking for help is to do as much research as you can. That shows leadership that you truly care about your future.

Set goals for yourself early on in your career, and actively strive to attain them. You have the power to control your destiny in and out of the military.