JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
While assigned to my first duty station, my trainer and first supervisor, Staff Sgt. Harry Reese, would always give me a regulation to read whenever I was not training.
Reese made me read the regulations cover to cover and quizzed me on information not found in my career-development courseware. Over time, it became habit to read Air Force Instructions that didn't pertain to my job. I became an expert in my job and educated in various other programs. Many times I've identified the correct way of doing a task by referencing it to an instruction versus "that's the way we always done it" method.
As I progressed in rank and became a trainer, I also employed the same method of teaching. I trained Airmen to know their way around the myriad of instructions, technical orders and they learned not to revert to a "let me ask someone" behavior. I trained them to be experts in their job. I trained them to be professional Airmen. They learned to take ownership in their processes.
Each day, I approach individuals and correct them on dress and appearance standards. Did I miss the part in AFI 36-2903 that says you don't have to wear a cover when you are off base? Or did I recall reading the little blue book that said "do what's right when no one is looking?" Take ownership in your job, take ownership in our Air Force ... be a professional Airman at all times.
Thank you retired Master Sgt. Reese for making me be a better professional Airman!