CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
How many of you more seasoned military professionals out there have asked yourselves, what has gone wrong with our young Airmen these days?
And just to clarify, when I say "more seasoned" I'm speaking of those nearing or beyond 20 years of military service, typically referred to by terms such as "old fogeys." I don't mean to offend anyone, by the way, but being an old fogey myself I feel no guilt in using the term.
Just the other day, a fellow master sergeant said to me, "Shirt, I just don't understand what these kids today are thinking. Airmen now are nothing like I was when I came in." Comments like that just make me shake my head. My response to this one was something to the effect of, "Your right. Most of them are better Airmen than we were starting out."
Although it wasn't what he expected to hear, I am convinced it's a true statement. For one thing, when I enlisted more than 20 years ago we didn't even use the word deployment. The only desert most of us ever saw outside of Nevada prior to 9/11 was during Operation Desert Storm. It was a good thing too, considering the fitness regimen for many at the time consisted of no more than the required 1.5 mile run once a year. Also, being a much larger force at the time, we were better able to spread the wealth, so to speak, in accomplishing the mission.
Now, multiple deployments to hostile environments are commonplace. Being physically fit is a priority stressed from the highest levels. While the mantra of doing more with less has been prevalent in the military for as long as I can remember, I doubt it's ever been more accurate.
As our operations tempo has steadily increased, our numbers have substantially decreased, placing added emphasis on individual responsibility in all areas. I'm not so certain how I would've handled that additional responsibility as a young Airman myself, but the majority of our newest Airmen seem to be more than up to the task. Those who join today do so in a time of tremendous change for the Air Force and ongoing turmoil in the world.
Fortunately, the new challenges we're faced with as we become a more expeditionary force are being met by bright, fit, dedicated new Airmen. In many cases, they are individuals who have significant college experience, if not already completed degrees. This was definitely not the case when I came in. As compared to when I was a first-term Airman, the average level of education among our most junior grades is dramatically higher now, the result of which is often more capable and adaptable Airmen.
By no means am I saying every young Airman epitomizes professionalism. Trust me, as a first sergeant I am well aware that's not the case. There will always be those who, for whatever reason, are unable to uphold the high standards required of them as military members.
On the whole, I firmly believe the Airmen of today are smarter, stronger and better equipped to meet the demands of military service than any who came before them. As a result, when it comes time for this old fogey to move on, I'll be able to retire knowing my Air Force, our Air Force, is in good hands.