A shared road map to a successful Airman’s career—a win-win solution! Published Jan. 19, 2013 By Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Leggett 387 Air Expeditionary Group SOUTHWEST ASIA - -- As an Airman enters the Air Force he or she must start building followership skills so he/she can practice taking directions from their supervisors and superiors. Those who show the ability to follow guidance, and excel while doing so, will be in the best position to compete for recognition and get top-markings on their evaluations. Also, you must obtain job proficiency in a timely manner by completing training requirements and securing your Community College of the Air Force degree early, so please do not procrastinate. Your community involvement is a great opportunity to give back to the community, while simultaneously allowing you to take on leadership roles to demonstrate your ability to work as a leader and a team member. Don't become too comfortable with your current level of expertise because it leads to stagnation and inhibits your career progression. You should try not to stay at your first duty station for more than three years. You should move at every opportunity afforded to you and advise your supervisor when you have been in any area more than three years. You need to seek a deployment or Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY) to support a contingency operation. The old tough-love adage is needed and only effective if you are willing to accept it. Your supervisors and leaders should always set you up for success and this is accomplished by holding you accountable for your actions. The Air Force only needs professional Airmen and you can meet this requirement by exercising the Air Force's Core Values of "Integrity first", "Service before self" and "Excellence in all we do" in your actions and insist on others to do the same. When the opportunity arises, accept a tour on the base's Honor Guard to enhance your leadership ability while representing the Air Force in drill and ceremonies and recognizing our fallen heroes. Capitalize on Additional-Duty jobs inside and outside your organization. These positions are essential to mission accomplishment, protect our employees, and boost morale and welfare. You should consider filling one of these important jobs when possible: safety and/or security representative, building custodian, Physical Training Leader and Self-Aid and Buddy Care (SABC) trainer. Also, take an active role in your career by ensuring you always do an outstanding job so when the time comes for recognition in the form of promotions, decorations, recognitions, and awards you have what it takes to be considered for submission. Unfortunately, doing an exceptional job alone is not sufficient; you must be a model Airman. Here are some qualities associated with what is expected of our Airmen: 1. Know your unit's mission and read your Commander's policy letters 2. Respect authority, never undermine leadership, and stay physically fit 3. Always follow directions, comply with dress/appearance, and don't push the envelope 4. Align yourself with professional mentors and role models and always study for promotion testing 5. Always give 100% and do not gossip, drink and drive, or use drugs 6. When in doubt, seek advice from a trusted and respected leader 7. Recruit a mentor and set obtainable goals; know what is expected of you 8. If you get off path, quickly recover and get back to the standards expected of you 9. Capitalize on opportunities to join teams because one can achieve more collectively than individually 10. Be a responsible Wingman and intervene when signs of stress or problems are observed The purpose of this road map is to develop and recognize Airmen who do outstanding jobs and embody "Service before self", not those who are self-serving and thus an anathema to our great organization. Just remember that there are many tools and resources available to assist in the development of your career and be mindful that you will be more successful and achieve more collectively than individually.