Welcome to the greatest Air Force in the world. You have entered on a journey that will be remembered for the rest of your life. You will see and do things that Joe Civilian can only dream of.

Please permit me to say a few comments about this venture you have chosen to pursue. As for my background, I’m an old CMSgt with the Texas Military Forces currently on deployment on the Texas/Mexico border. I only served on federal active duty for eight years back in the 60’s and 70’s, but have been wearing the blue off and on since then. So please bear with me while I pass on a few things I’ve picked up over time.

Should you make the Air Force a career? That of course is up to you. Not everybody can spend 20+ years on active duty. I will tell you that it is a good life with a steady paycheck and benefits, opportunities to travel and to get an education. The friends you make and the camaraderie that you will experience with your fellow airmen will never be duplicated in civilian life. One suggestion is that if you do decide to leave active duty some day seriously consider going into the National Guard. You will still be able to get a civilian job or go to school and that extra pay for one weekend a month adds up.

Military education. You now have a golden opportunity to get an education for free! First, take advantage of all the courses you can take to learn your AFSC. Get your 5 Level as soon as possible after you complete tech school. This will help you to get promoted faster (more money!!). Apply for Airman Leadership School as soon as you are eligible. This is one of the premier learning opportunities available for young airmen.

College. This opportunity will save you thousand of dollars over the long term. In today’s world, a high school education will only get you a job flipping hamburgers. The minimum education for any decent job is two years of college. Most good paying jobs require a four year degree. Make sure you take advantage of the college opportunities that you have available to you.

First, get all the free college credit hours available. Enroll in the Community College of the Air Force, where even your basic and tech school training time counts as college hours. Second, get with your Base Education office to take placement tests such as CLEP that are free and can get you more credit hours for no cost. Just as an example, I was able to get credit for a full year of college without ever stepping into a classroom just by taking advantage of CCAF and CLEP. Then take as many courses you can while off duty using tuition assistance. College on the out side is very expensive.

Finally, take the opportunity to volunteer for deployments. I know some places we serve can be a bit of a challenge to take. Even the worst places will allow you to see things and visit places you could never afford as a civilian.

Thanks for taking the time to listen to an old Chief. God bless you and thank you so much for the heroic service you are providing this country.

CMSgt Norm King
Texas Military Forces
(norm.king@juno.com)