Outstanding choices

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Andrew Rogers
  • 22nd Training Squadron First Sergeant
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  How many times have you heard that the Air Force wants to foster a culture of responsible choices? Quite a few, I'm sure. What, exactly, does this mean? Making the responsible choice means doing the right thing at the right time.

For example, you might be out with friends one weekend. Just about everyone is drinking. Making the responsible choice would be for you not to drink and make sure everyone gets home in one piece. For that choice, I thank you!

However, I challenge you to go one step further than just the responsible choice. I challenge you to make outstanding choices.

This means not just making the choice, but making the choice to do something that will have a real impact. Let's look at our previous scenario. After your responsible choice to drive everyone home, you could volunteer for Airmen Against Drunk Driving as a stand-by driver. Or even better, you could be your squadron's point of contact for the program. That will make a real difference in not just your small group of friends, but squadron and wing wide.

With today's shrinking Air Force, only the best Airmen are left. You need to find some way to differentiate yourself from everyone else. How do you show your leadership? How could you show you should be nominated for senior airman below-the-zone? How would you set yourself up to be considered for senior rater endorsement? How could you put yourself in the forefront of your commander's mind for company grade officer of the quarter nominations?

You can do all these things by going the extra step and making outstanding choices.