CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
An Airman once stated, "There are too many rules in the Air Force."
At that time, he was in the middle of being administratively discharged. This Airman underwent a long arduous process of counseling, letters of reprimand and ultimately an Article 15 prior to his discharge from the Air Force. He had ample opportunities to change his course of action, be a productive and a valued Air Force member. However, he chose his path and consequently, is no longer an Airman.
Each of us chose to join the Air Force knowing there were certain rules and regulations we would have to follow. Every day, each of us makes choices concerning our career. Are you following the rules and regulations? If not, are you accepting culpability and the consequences?
Although we don't expect everyone to act as a robot, there are certain behaviors which are not tolerated and may lead to disciplinary action. If an individual does not follow the rules and regulations, they disrupt the cohesiveness of the unit, ultimately impacting our mission. Individuals can recover from a poor choice, but when these choices accumulate it is harder to dig oneself out of the hole. The gradual increase in disciplinary action allows the individual the opportunity to accept responsibility and correct his or her actions early.
The Air Force is very clear on what is acceptable and unacceptable. These standards are reiterated at every level. The Air Force has developed a wide variety of programs available to all Airmen as tools to overcome obstacles and enhance career performance. As an Air Force member, we each have the responsibility to stop an unsafe act and assist those Airmen who are nearing or on the path of career destruction.
A perfect example of this is drinking and driving. The 0-0-1-3 policy is made known from the chief of staff of the Air Force down to the first-line supervisor. Having a plan prior to going out drinking is paramount, with Airmen Against Drunk Driving as the last option. Although, this is communicated throughout the Air Force, we continue to have alcohol related incidents. There is no excuse if you chose to drink and drive. It is your choice.
What about those individuals who start out not being able to make it to work on time or not performing their duties? Disciplinary action begins with a verbal counseling; where it ends is with a personal decision. A supervisor's responsibility is to inquire why someone can't arrive at work on time or is having difficulty performing duties and to help them overcome the barrier.
This is a wake-up call. Take this time to get yourself on the right path. Sure, you can continue to be late or not do your job and take a ride on the slippery slope of administrative discharge, but the wise choice would be to take the help and advice offered. Your peers are also willing to help as they have an interest in you not doing your work. Again, it is your choice.
For those of you struggling with the current or new fitness requirements, there are options to help improve your score. It is every Airman's responsibility to remain physically fit. Each Airman is given time to work out during duty hours, access to physical training leaders, a dietician an exercise physiologist or physician and many other programs. The first time a supervisor knows a person is having trouble with the fitness assessment, should not be the day that person fails the test. Let someone know early if you are having difficulty and they can assist you. There are programs in place to help, but you have to do your part. Again, it is your choice.
Making a poor decision happens to all of us sometime in our career, but what you do about it is up to you. Be ready to accept personal responsibility for your actions. It must be understood with every decision you make, you are accountable. The Air Force has a plethora of programs in place to assist every Airman throughout their career.
When you are facing disciplinary action, don't blame others for your predicament. Take responsibility for what you do, learn from it and become a better Airman. Ultimately, it is your choice.