CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
When I was asked to write a commentary for the Airlift Dispatch I was not quite sure what direction to take. I could talk about the 1st Combat Camera Squadron's mission, always an interesting subject, but there's not really enough room here to do it justice.
Or, I could write about the importance of communicating with your co-workers, the public and your family, which is something we probably need to spend more time on.
Then it hit me ... I've spent, and continue to spend, a large amount of time reading. I read everything from performance reports to fiction novels. Reading is a big part of my life, both personally and professionally.
Reading opens up doors which may not be available to you. Abraham Lincoln put it well when he said, "A capacity and taste for reading gives access to whatever has already been discovered by others."
Every Air Force chief of staff since 1996 thinks professional development through reading is important enough to justify putting out a reading list. The CSAF's list is to help Airmen of all ranks develop a common frame of reference about the Air Force and what we do.
This is more than just career developmental courses or Air Force Instructions, although those are important. There are thousands upon thousands of books out there relating to your profession including historical case studies, biographies, novels and more. It doesn't have to be boring and difficult; there's more than enough to grab, and hold, your interest. Take the material and learn from other peoples' experiences. It'll help you become a better Airman and help the unit and Air Force at the same time, for as Harry Truman said, "not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers."
Meanwhile, don't neglect your personal development. Whatever your interests are, there's something out there. Just the fact that you're reading can help you learn something new, refine your skills or just help you relax.
Reading is more than just professional or personal development. The two often overlap. I once heard a general say that the best book on leadership he's read was the Harry Potter series. Even a work of fiction, geared towards young adults, holds information you can use to help yourself.
You may think you don't have time to read, but that's not really the case. It's all about time management, but that's another commentary for the future. Instead, think about what Confucius said, "No matter how busy you may think you are, you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance."
Everything we read affects us. Expand your horizons, read new material and explore new worlds. The best part is that it doesn't even have to cost you anything. Ask any librarian and they'll be more than happy to help. You'll be amazed at the things you learn, the connections you'll make and your ability to quote people, for as Dr. Seuss wrote, "The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."