CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
There are two things in today's Air Force which keep a first sergeant busy. They are the use of cell phones and alcohol.
First, I would like to start with the noisemaker we all seem not able to live without: the cell phone.
Although the use of cell phones has become an integral part of our lives, people need to understand that just because someone has a cell phone, they are not automatically given the right to talk wherever and whenever they feel necessary. This misconception can be seen in almost any venue from driving on the base, attending meetings and in social settings.
If you need to use a cell phone and you are driving on base, you need to pull over or use a hands free device. It is against the law to use a cell phone and drive on Department of Defense installations. If you are caught by the base police, you are going to get a ticket. So be smart about things by using a hands-free device or take 30 seconds and pull over and stop.
At meetings, everyone is usually asked to turn off their cell phones or set them to vibrate in order to not disturb the meeting. Why do you think they ask us to do that? The answer is easy: it is out of respect to the people at the meeting. Once a phone rings during a meeting, the phone draws the attention off the speaker to the person who failed to turn their phone off. Do not let that person be you. Put your phone on vibrate and avoid answering them during the meeting. Always wait for a break in the meeting to take care of any calls that need your immediate attention.
Finally, in personal settings away from work, do not be the one with the loud ringtone that disrupts everyone around or be the person who carries on their conversations in a loud voice oblivious to those around you. Be smart about things by being respectful to those around you. Remember, as a military member you represent your service both on and off duty. Be considerate of others when you need to use your cell phone.
Another thing that keeps a first sergeant on his toes is the use of alcohol.
Alcohol is one of the key contributors to many problems involving our Airmen today. The two main problems related to alcohol are underage drinking and driving under the influence.
If you are not 21 years old, you are not authorized to consume an alcoholic beverage. I do not know how to explain this in simpler terms. Do not jeopardize your career over an alcoholic drink.
If you are old enough to drink please drink responsibly and don't drink and drive. There are many programs on base like Airmen Against Drunk Driving and the Wingman program so you do not have to drive if drunk. Be smart and take advantage of these programs before you get behind the wheel of an automobile.
These are but a couple things that keep a first sergeant busy. A big part of our work comes from people not thinking things through. In the long run, this little bit of thought can be lifesaving and career saving.