Two months from today, our son will turn 18. Searching memory banks and analyzing recent conversations, I am recalling that unwelcome rise of daunting external pressures. As an adult, I understand that pressure makes it extra hard for most people to make good decisions … overall in life, and even in basic conduct.
Back when I was 17, I came into possession of a U.S. Air Force recruitment poster, and its “Aim High” call-to-action impressed me enough to tack it onto my wall. From there, I applied for an ROTC Scholarship and made some tentative college plans around that gambit. The scholarship did not materialize, which scrambled my plans. Still, less than a year after graduation, I joined the Reserve and began Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. This big move gave me the funds to pay for college, and of course, some amazing life experiences. Among them, I earned a once-in-a-lifetime flight in the back seat of an F-4 Phantom fighter jet – twice.
Through my early work, I also gained first-hand insights into military life in other branches, leading me to feel that service is a truly great thing for almost everyone. To me, the systems that take all human behavior into account, and keep people organized enough to handle all aspects of life – and go to war, if necessary – are remarkable. They don’t always work (because, people), but I still embrace planning and systematization as keys to success.
Based on his many strengths shining through in the majority of his actions, we have great confidence in our boy, and are grateful to be sharing a wondrous journey with him. As one test of his successful apprenticeship, I trust he understands and honors all the “unwritten social rules” addressed in this video I’m featuring from As/Is.
In the meantime, as social media proliferates and challenges us all to put our best feet forward, it’s my pleasure to pass along something from the Air Force that I’ve found to be incredibly useful. Yes, my mentors in defining exemplary behavior have applied their knowledge to the quandary of social media engagement. The results get more attention in this post by Joey deVilla on GlobalNerdy.com, but this illuminating infographic brings it all home.
