Overcoming challenges of cross-training, PCS

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Chad Thompson
  • 90th Space Wing Public Affairs
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  As military members, most of us have experienced a permanent change of station at one time or another in our careers. But have you ever thought of the difficulties you might face when you arrive at a base or try to adjust to a new area, especially when the area or base might contrast with what you are familiar?

I have seen many things the Air Force has to offer in my 10-year career as an F-16 Fighting Falcon avionics technician and this is my sixth duty station, not including temporary duty assignments or technical training bases. Yet each time I have moved, I have been confronted with some of the same challenges.

I think the hardest challenge for me to overcome is fitting into a new work environment. Warren has proven a little different, however, since this is my first base as a public affairs specialist.

I have felt out of place since I arrived here almost eight months ago.

Being a cross-trainee feels like I'm 10 years behind the curve with more difficulties to overcome and catching up to do.

I don't have any technical orders to step me through this process. I don't have the organization I've known for the past nine years. My whole world has changed. Now I am trying to figure out what this new mission is and how I fit into that mission.

I have to learn my place. I have to step back from everything I am used to doing: being a trainer, being the "go-to" technician, being someone that my Airmen looked up to, being a mentor and guide. I am still capable of being some of these on the level of an NCO but in the eyes of my peers I am just a 3-level and that is pretty tough to swallow sometimes.
In a career submerged in communication, you would think it would be easy to communicate to people. But fear of being looked at like I don't know what I am doing or being too prideful to ask for help when I need it are the things that plague me at night.

So, if I had any advice to give to anyone, it would be to learn to be patient. Don't take on more than you think you can handle, and if you need some help don't be afraid to ask.

How do you think the chiefs and colonels got to where they are today? They didn't do it alone; at some point in their careers, they were brave enough to ask for help or they had someone that reached out to be a friend or mentor. Somewhere, someone has that little piece of information that we all need; you just can't be afraid to ask.