In this world of uniform and following orders, what do you do to remain an individual?

2014-10-30T19:18:04-04:00

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2014 7:20 PM

2014-10-30T19:20:20-04:00

I actually follow orders and wear the uniform properly. I stick out.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2014 4:41 AM

2014-10-31T04:41:50-04:00

By applying the Air Force Core Values to your daily way of life, you will maintain your individuality. It becomes especially true if you are serious about strongly held religious beliefs or morality.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2014 5:56 AM

2014-10-31T05:56:49-04:00

The only thing uniform about the military, to me, is the uniform. Everything else is unique. Different walks of life, different backgrounds, religion, politics, and personality. I don't feel that I have to do anything other than be myself because there is only one me.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2014 9:56 AM

2014-10-31T09:56:46-04:00

In uniform, I think for myself and solve problems in my own way. My career field supports creative problem solving, so that helps. Nonetheless, I work hard to not have a visual representation of my individuality in uniform, although in my current assignment in Afghanistan just being Navy tends to make me stands out.

Out of uniform, I express my individuality through my interests, hobbies, and outlook on life.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2014 10:32 AM

2014-10-31T10:32:23-04:00

A1C Private RallyPoint Member. I believe compassion, empathy, warmth, kindness, gentility, soft speech, compliments, a special smile here, a special touch there, keen attention to overt signs of pain and distress, authentic inquiry whether friends / colleagues are really feeling OK can help. A special sense of your purpose in the world helps.

Decent sense of conservative (not too conservative; certainly not garrish) hair, makeup, shoes, clothes, accessories and jewelry. Careful choice of friends, work assignments, what you do for fun, dining out, entertaining at home, walking / talking / traveling together, shared experiences, personal disclosure, and intimate moments build lifelong friends. Being careful about what you eat, working out for your health three or four times a week (good way to meet healthy people), annual physical w/ blood work, and taking care of your skin, teeth, hair, and overall appearance.

In the end, while a sense of personal style may help you fight concern about uniformity . . . life tends to be way to short to worry about trivia. What really matters . . . what makes more lasting difference is in how you feel about yourself . . . your original family . . . family, friends, and collegial relationships you build . . . honor . . . self respect . . . what you do to make a difference . . . to make the world a better place for everyone close to you . . . and for those you never met.

Warmest Regards, Sandy

Response by SFC Gary Fox made Oct 31 at 2014 11:56 AM

2014-10-31T11:56:44-04:00

My sense of humor helped me maintain my individuality. Face it when you make the military a career, a sense of humor is necessary.

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2014 2:01 PM

2014-10-31T14:01:35-04:00

All the folks above me have noticed that I'm the one that shows up early and stays until the job is done. They see me and they know I'm going to put service before self every time, all the work they see from me, never less than my best, and if I say or do something it is true and right to the best of my knowledge and ability. most of these things are things that should make me blend in, sadly, they make me stand out. I try my best to teach the people behind me to do all of these things, I can only hope they continue the effort to make it the norm.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2014 2:32 AM

2014-11-04T02:32:48-05:00

I like to type like a twelve year old, it never stops being hillarious.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Nov 4 at 2014 6:40 AM

2014-11-04T06:40:53-05:00

I was a signal officer, that made me stick out like an antenna. When you're the lone commo guy in an Infantry or MP unit, trust me you display individuality. The ability to plug things in, turn knobs, press buttons and "magically" make electronic things work is apparently a highly coveted skill set. :-)

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2014 6:58 AM

2014-11-04T06:58:19-05:00

I show up an hour early everyday, I stay late most days. I have tattoos in odd places (like I have my wedding ring tattoo'd which many people don't). I talk about Pokemon at work.

As someone here mentioned, we're all individuals and unique; some choose not to display it, others do. Its just HOW you display it that matters.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2014 10:21 AM

2014-11-04T10:21:12-05:00

I would by being the best at it. If you want to get noticed be at the top. First place is an individual award.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Nov 4 at 2014 10:44 AM

2014-11-04T10:44:33-05:00

Get involved with an private organization that you actually value. This way you get to be an individual and leader and get to fill in that private org/community involvement requirement from the Little Brown Book.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2014 10:45 AM

2014-11-04T10:45:55-05:00

Just be yourself have a good sense of humor and enjoy life. Before you know it life will pass you by. Good luck on a successful career.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2014 12:22 PM

2014-11-04T12:22:27-05:00

I always smiled a lot. Drives autocrats crazy.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2014 12:56 PM

2014-11-04T12:56:10-05:00

In uniform I'm assuming is what you're asking.

My hair I always changed it up through out my military career. For the ones who are going to complain YES my hair was always in regulations of a natural color. Just as men get to be individuals with their mustaches women have their hair! Music as well when we got the chance to listen to it at work I stuck out like a sore thumb with what I listened to

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 4 at 2014 2:33 PM

2014-11-04T14:33:38-05:00

I am very unique...just like everyone else. (lol)

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2014 3:00 PM

2014-11-04T15:00:25-05:00

I used to take advantage of off time, and spend as much time as I could away from the barracks... The way things were back then vs now, however, I have no clue how it is. (I was in 12 years ago.)

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2014 8:48 PM

2014-11-10T20:48:10-05:00

At the end of the day, being a part of the military means being part of a cause much larger than just your "individuality." But, you don't have to sacrifice who you are because of it. The Air Force and DOD are stronger because of our individual experiences, strengths, and uniqueness.

There was an old Army recruiting video from the 80s I think that summed up a lot of military service. It had the 82nd Airborne jumping at either dawn or sunset, then someone coming up to the Sergeant Major or Commander and offering coffee. Of course they were drinking from their canteen cups. The tag line was, "We do more before breakfast than most people do all day." While not every day in the military will be that cool, there are going to be days when you see the instantaneous results of your work. You're already setting yourself up above 99% of the American population by serving your country.

Stand out in whatever you do, that's where your individuality lies.

- Continue to be the first in to work and the Airman the NCOIC or OIC has to kick out at the end of the day.
- Be the most proficient at what you do, become that "go to" person when others have a question. Don't be afraid to read through the AFIs, TOs, etc. Read "professional" books that will help build your knowledge and "warrior ethos."
- Find a volunteer organization to put in time with off duty (don't let the military consume your life.) You'll also learn about leadership and different organizations in the process.
- Take advantage of every opportunity to get further training and education. The only "bad" education is when you don't get it.

At the end of the day, that will give you individuality in uniform. Soon, you'll see you've got one more stripe than those around you. You'll find your PME easier (because you're more widely read and knowledgeable.) Your ribbon rack will start growing because you're putting forth the extra effort (there's actually the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal just for putting in volunteer work.)

The uniform regulations keep service members from looking all kinds of jacked up, but as you grow in your career, your uniform becomes a way of setting your "individuality" apart.

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Nov 10 at 2014 9:32 PM

2014-11-10T21:32:34-05:00

A1C Private RallyPoint Member, there is "following orders" and then there is "following orders".

I once spent a solid 15 or 20 minutes conversing with a captain who tried to order me to refer to him as "sir". I lost count of how many times I responded with "I understand, Captain _____."

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2014 12:17 PM

2014-11-11T12:17:21-05:00

Follow this advice,

"Be a yardstick of quality, some people aren't use to an environment where excellence is expected"

-Steve Jobs

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2014 12:33 PM

2014-11-11T12:33:07-05:00

Though I am still a soldier 24/7, after COB, I give place to personal passions. Fulfilling those personal passions help me to be at peace with myself. If I am not at peace with myself, how can I be a good worker and a good team player at my unit?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2014 12:54 PM

2014-11-11T12:54:39-05:00

It is difficult to "be yourself," but the best place/time is during PT. Since PT shoes have not (yet) had regulations placed on colors, etc., I usually go with the brightest colors. The shoes I currently have glow in the dark.

Yes, glow in the dark.

http://www.shopwss.com/mens/skechers-go-run-ride-nite-owl/

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Feb 7 at 2015 7:43 PM

2015-02-07T19:43:16-05:00

Not sure what you are driving at with the question. I am guessing one of two things: how do I stand out on duty (rather than just be a follower) or how do you express/be myself so I don't lose who i am. The good news is that both are all up to you and what you do inside your own brain housing group. Your interests, hobbies, music, etc all still yours as long as they are not counter to good order and discipline.