CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Are you ready? This is a simple question with three words, four syllables and one meaning - being ready.
Throughout our lives we are asked, are you ready? I recall a song from the '90s asking the question, "Are you ready for this?" In boxing, you hear Michael Buffer say, "Let's get ready to rumble," and when planning a family, you have probably asked yourself, "Are we ready for a baby?"
I can recall the day my military career began, I was taught the importance of readiness. During basic training any trainee who wasn't ready was disciplined by having an Air Education and Training Command Form 341 pulled. If you had too many 341s pulled, you might have found yourself spending more time in training until you got the mission right. This simple piece of paper provided guidance on getting the mission done, the right way, at the right time.
Readiness is a part of our lives everyday, from getting up in the morning to getting ready for a deployment. While I get ready for my upcoming deployment there are three groups of people I must ensure are ready: myself, my family and my Airmen.
During my 17 year career, I have always believed I was ready to deploy. It's difficult to know how ready you are until you are actually put to the test.
I recently received a tasking for an upcoming deployment. Unlike many, I was given months to prepare myself physically, mentally, and emotionally.
To ensure I am ready to go, I have proactively completed all the things that will make my deployment flow more smoothly, such as preparing a will, completing all weapons qualifications and readiness training, obtaining a power of attorney and setting up allotments for my monthly utilities.
I find being proactive about getting your personal affairs in order makes for a less stressful transition and deployment. Along with getting ready professionally, it is my responsibility to ensure my family is ready for me to go as well.
While getting ready for my deployment, I have to make sure my children and wife are ready for the upcoming trials and tribulations they might experience while I am away. I have to emotionally prepare my children to understand that I am going to miss out on many important events of their lives. My wife must understand that she will now have to take care of every aspect of our life here in Charleston, on her own. It will make an easier transition for me if I know that my family is ready emotionally and physically.
My final readiness responsibility is to my Airmen.
I, as a senior NCO in the Air Force, have to ensure while I get ready, the Airmen I leave at home have the tools they need to effectively accomplish their mission. It is also my responsibility to ensure my Airmen are personally, professionally and emotionally ready for their calling at all times.
Many Airmen ask me why they have to prepare a family care plan, or why they have to do so much training. It's because the Air Force wants to be sure that you and your family are always ready.
You may have noticed the word "ready" was used throughout this article and it's because it's so important. Not just during deployments, but in everyday life. Always remember, check yourself and your wingman ... and be ready.