Nervous about first duty station; how can I be the best I can be?

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 19:23:55 -0500

I have just arrived at my first duty station. I have been assigned to the 88th security forces squadron. I am just about to start my training. I am a bit nervous because I want to be the best I can be, but am a bit unsure of myself because I feel that the technical training after basic didn't really give me the confidence I was hoping for. Any advice?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2015 7:28 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 19:28:06 -0500

No one expects you to be perfect straight out of training when you arrive at your first real duty station. Listen to your first line supervisor and seek out mentorship opportunities at every chance. As the saying goes fake it until you make it. With time and experience the confidence will come.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Jan 26 at 2015 7:42 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 19:42:41 -0500

Hit your CDC's as hard as you can.
Volunteer to get task certified for as many duty positions as reasonably possible (LE, security, desk sgt, Raven school, RST)
Get involved with AFSA and your local first four org.
AFTER your CDCs start knocking out some college for your CCAF!
Find a mentor.
Track EVERYTHING you do, you will need it for your EPR, 1206s and BTZ package

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2015 7:56 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 19:56:47 -0500

I would say to you by asking this question you are already doing what you should to succeed. I don't speak Air Force but TSgt Joshua Copeland is a great example to follow. There are some great folks on here who can mentor and help you. Just listen to them. Good luck at your first duty station!

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2015 8:07 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 20:07:22 -0500

Here's the key, SrA Private RallyPoint Member ... You wrote: "I want to be the best I can be." That's the bottom line. Hold onto that attitude and you will excel! Keep being all you can be. That's key. Work hard. Prepare. Do your best. Good luck.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2015 8:07 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 20:07:52 -0500

Being an Army career Soldier, my knowledge of the Air Force operations is limited. Although there are differences, there are even more similarities. Being fresh out of training, they are not expecting you to know everything there is to know about your specialty. They will expect you to work hard, be open minded to advice and suggestions, and continue to show enthusiasm and eagerness to be the best you can be. Always remember that first impressions when arriving at a new duty station are key. Listen to your leaders and continue to show eagerness to learn about your job.

Response by 2d Lt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2015 8:09 PM

2d Lt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 20:09:27 -0500

Do as your told, put in the effort, and always ask your NCOs questions on how you can learn your job better. They'll be happy to help! I was told when I first got in that every assignment you have is the best one for you at the time and every base is the best place you can be. Keep that mind set and you'll go far!

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jan 26 at 2015 8:15 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 20:15:58 -0500

Be upfront and honest with your concerns and reach out to some 1st line NCO's in your unit who YOU feel have their act together (You will find that they stand out amongst their peers). Asking to be mentored and putting your trust in your unit's leadership is a safe bet. They won't let you down. If you are religious,.......a little communication with the almighty is never a bad idea. Hang tough little brother and good luck. V/R, Uncle Mark.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2015 8:16 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 20:16:27 -0500

Keep your head up and ears open. Your new command is not going to expect you to know how to do everything. However, they will expect you to be observant, obedient, and responsive. Listen, receive, and comprehend the guidance and mentorship your seniors give. Take every opportunity given to better yourself personally and professionally. Always strive to be the "go-to guy." Make every effort to stand out. Openly seek a mentor-mentee relationship with a senior you hold in high regard. And don't lose sight of the attitude you have right now. With the right head on your shoulders, you will meet and exceed the expectations of your command.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2015 8:21 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 20:21:32 -0500

SrA Private RallyPoint Member ..Your post and expressing the feelings you have are exactly where they need to be. The nervousness is natural as all 1st time assigned Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines go thru this..it's natural. Your wanting to be the best you can be will become apparent to your leadership. Don't allow yourself to be caught up in the dorm rat BS. Form your opinions concerning your leaders and not allow yourself to be influenced by your peers. Be your own man, not one of the follow the crowd and if you know they are up to something you don't approve of....don't get sucked into it. Stay out of trouble. Get to work early on your CDCs! When you're not sure of something...ASK!

Start observing the things your leaders do, pay close attention to their leadership styles. You will know which ones are good...put them away to remember and possibly use yourself at a later day. Pay very close attention to those whose style may be degrading, toxic, and feel not right to you...remember those and also tell yourself, " I will be that kind of leader when my time comes." For now observe your SRA and SSgts....that's your goal for now. When you make SSgt, observe your TSgt's the same way and on and on as you go up in rank should you decide to make the USAF a career.

Good luck and best wishes to you! Aim High!

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Jan 26 at 2015 8:53 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 20:53:03 -0500

Outside of all the personal and professional things mentioned by everyone here, being a cop, make sure to carve out ample personal time for PT. I know very few SFS's that have unit PT and a failed PT test can be a career killer, especially in the SF world.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2015 9:02 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 21:02:28 -0500

Don't be afraid to step out and make mistakes.....just own up to it, learn from it and continue to improve yourself.....as all else have said, knock out those CDCs and training.....become the one the NCOs can count on to get the job done....you are already on the right track...

Response by CPL Rick Stasny made Jan 26 at 2015 9:02 PM

CPL Rick Stasny — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 21:02:33 -0500

TSgt Joshua Copeland is providing you a great path to follow. When you choose who you will learn from look for the most squared away individual that is good at a variety of jobs and has a low key demeanor, these types often prove to be the best teachers. If you pick a sharp guy with a big mouth chances are he will mess with you big time. Make yourself an asset to your unit, show pride in your work and continue your education. Also maintain a positive attitude even in the face of adversity. Good luck and enjoy the opportunities of a new beginning.

Response by PO2 Stephen Brinkley (Scott) made Jan 26 at 2015 9:02 PM

PO2 Stephen Brinkley (Scott) — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 21:02:52 -0500

SrA Private RallyPoint Member first off take a deep breath. Second get to know your command. Third breath. Forth realize that you are going to make mistakes and when you do write them down and fix them. Five breath. Six make sure you are hitting the gym 4 days a week. Seven breath. Eight know your command regs or know where you can find them at all times

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2015 9:05 PM

A1C Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 21:05:06 -0500

MSgt Copeland is right. It took me a while to figure it out, but he sums it up nicely. That's also the way I've been told to get BTZ. Keep your positive attitude, it's tough, but you will make it.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Jan 26 at 2015 10:08 PM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 22:08:11 -0500

SrA Private RallyPoint Member, Its about desire, dedication and determination. Have a good attitude and be mindful in respects to willing to learn and be part of a team. Ultimately it will enhance DUTY HONOR COUNTRY for time served. Stay away from the troublemakers and surround yourself with positive comrades. I wish you the best and LEARN AS MUCH AS YOU CAN.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jan 26 at 2015 11:15 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 23:15:18 -0500

Don't forget to check out your own unit here on RallyPoint and see if any of the members stand out and look familiar.
https://www.rallypoint.com/units/88-sfs-88th-security-forces-squadron-wright-patterson-afb-oh

88th Security Forces Squadron (88 SFS), 88th Air Base Wing in Wright-Patterson AFB, OH is on...

Connect with members of 88th Security Forces Squadron (88 SFS), 88th Air Base Wing } on RallyPoint. Share your knowledge and get the answers you need from others with your experience.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Jan 27 at 2015 11:34 PM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 23:34:34 -0500

Some great advice here from a lot of people.

Keep your great attitude and don't get misled by others without your obvious motivation and desire to excel.

Look, listen and learn. Observe both the good and the bad and know how to differentiate between the two. Some are obvious and some are not. Learn all you can from those who have the experience.

Pick your friends wisely. "Guilt by association" is real.

Be confident, but not arrogant.

Make your chain of command aware that you are there, but don't call undue attention to yourself. Not an easy task, however, you only have one opportunity to make a good first impression. Don't be an "ass-kisser", but seek guidance, direction and approval from your chain of command.

Be yourself. Don't try to fool people into thinking you are something you are not.

Be proud of your service and your unit. Show it every day by doing the right thing in everything you do.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2015 10:28 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 10:28:22 -0500

Don't be worried about not having confidence coming out of technical school, I think that most recent technical school graduates (even myself only 5 years ago), don't feel really prepared for their job when they first get to the first duty station. My big advice to you would be to learn as much as you can during your orientation time, find out what services you might think you could need or want and write all of it down. Then maybe a couple of days after all of your orientation is complete (including the First Term Airman Course FTAC), take some time and go to a quiet place and think about some goals you want to accomplish over the short, medium, and long term. Those goals should be goals that you can track (more specifically S.M.A.R.T. goals). If you do that and start attempting to achieve some of those goals, you will undoubtedly begin to shine. Many folks who are new to service don't think to plan and outline goals and if you do that I promise you, you will set the bar for your peers. You may not want to stick around for 20 years and that is fine, the point is to be better than you were when you joined. Have an outstanding day!

Response by SPC Jonathan Jones made Jan 29 at 2015 1:07 PM

SPC Jonathan Jones — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 13:07:13 -0500

Everything everybody else said is true. Be on time, be squared away in uniform, do what is asked when it is asked, and be motivated.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2015 1:31 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 13:31:55 -0500

You took the first step by asking this very important question. :)

TSgt Joshua Copeland is correct in all aspects.

OK, how much room do I have to write? Lol

-Find a mentor that isn't the guy/gal that lets you out early on Fridays, but the one that challenges you and keeps you interested

-Stay engaged

-Do not be afraid to ask pertinent but respectful questions

-Leaders come in all shapes and styles. Good or bad, learn from those experiences

-Always respect rank but do not fear it

-Have a plan but don't get dismayed if that plan derails. It means that a bigger better one is in store

-Learn the rank structure for all Services. You will eventually be in a Joint environment and will get torn up by a Gunnery Sergeant or Chief Petty Officer for calling him/her, "Sir/Ma'am"

-You will not get along with everyone. Not everyone will like you. You will not like everyone. True in kindergarten; True in the military

-ALWAYS take the high road. Everyone f*cks up. It is how you handle that f*ck-up that separates the big dogs from the pups.

You're GTG, SrA Private RallyPoint Member. Before you know it, you will be answering these questions on RP.

You can message me if you have any questions you want to ask offline. Between us AF types and all. :)

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2015 2:05 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 14:05:43 -0500

SrA Private RallyPoint Member I remember when I got here, my first duty station, I was nervous too. My NCOIC told me, you have the easiest rank, all you have to do is LEARN. As Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member said, "Choose your friends and training partners carefully". I can't add any more to what TSgt Joshua Copeland said but to keep the great attitude, the motivation and not to get discourage when something that you can't control doesn't go as you wanted. You'll get amazed how fast time goes and how much you learn. I wish you great success in your career!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2015 2:16 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 14:16:21 -0500

CDCs. become a sponge. find a SrA or SSgt that is willing to take you under wing (so long as they are high speed, low drag themselves). never have a chip on your shoulder that is too big to get knocked off. be confident, yet humble. watch what the senior members do. if you see an opportunity to display leadership to lower ranks, help them up. leadership is looking for drive & ability.

you know the basics of the job, you just need to get the specifics for your location. represent that blue beret, brother!

Response by SPC Christopher Shanahan made Jan 30 at 2015 8:22 AM

SPC Christopher Shanahan — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 08:22:49 -0500

The best thing you can do is listen to the people who have been in the service/at your duty station for a while. They will give you all the tools you need to be successful. Also, never be afraid to volunteer and try new things! Good luck!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 9:45 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 09:45:31 -0500

MSgt Copeland gave you some great pointers.

Listen carefully, knock those CDCs out, and ask questions. Communication is important, be sure you communicate with everyone in your shop or office. You'll get to know your fellow airman better.

And more importantly, be yourself and someone you're not. Best of luck at your first assignment.