JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
There is always one constant in today's military; change. The repeal of the `Don't Ask, Don't Tell Policy', the reduction of our civilian workforce, date of separation roll-backs, Reduction in Force in the officer corps, withdrawal of our military from Iraq and even Finance and Military Personnel Flight changing their hours to open earlier; where does it end?
Change can affect us in many different ways. Change can add stress in our lives and we may not even know it. Stress can adversely affect our health and in its most severe form, may lead to death. Some common effects of stress are tiredness or lowering your immune system causing you to get sick more frequently, or affecting the way you perform at work.
A little stress can be good for us too. It can act as an obstacle that motivates us to overcome challenges. Stress can keep us focused on the important things that our job requires.
Remembering a few of the basics you were taught in boot camp can keep you out of trouble and stress free. Have your uniform prepped and ready; don't give anyone the opportunity to correct you for being out of standards. Stay on top of the current regulations and ensure you and your uniform are in top condition. Be on time for duty and make all required appointments. Be the person that always arrives 15 minutes early. This way if something happens on the way, you have time to adjust. You can add a lot of undue stress in your life by just being late for duty.
Be ready for anything that may face you in your daily duties; whether that is taking some extra time digging into that technical data prior to working on that aircraft, or bringing your cold, wet-weather gear to work with you to roll with the changing elements. And always be in good health; spiritually, socially, physically and mentally. Adhering to these basic concepts may assist you while coping with constant change.
If you have difficulty coping with change, a friend can make a good leaning post. But maybe you are in deeper than they can help you with. In this case, we have agencies across the base to assist you. Your supervisor, your first sergeant, chaplain or mental health professional are always there in times of need. Although many people have resorted to alcohol to cope, you cannot find happiness at the bottom of a bottle! If you find yourself pulling out a cork or twisting the cap off a bottle of "happiness", I urge you to pursue one of those agencies.
My father always told me, "Mark, nothing stressful is worth your piece of mind." When I think about that, it helps me put things into perspective. When I get stressed, I remember that if I cannot control it, then I should embrace it and let it work for me.
Stay strong Joint Base Charleston!