Jumping through AF hoops...

Specialties Government

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Specializes in mental health, military nursing.

My husband and I have been in the process of joining the USAF for the last three months. Or at least we're trying to join. Who knew the military is so darn particular? We're still waiting for the MEPS board to approve our physicals...

The frustrating thing is that we're both in excellent shape, with no "real" health problems - we keep getting held up by things like needing another statement from a specialist that there are no complications from a vasectomy five years ago!

Anybody else held up by similar situations? We had really been hoping for COT in August, but now we're sweating even getting in to the AF! Getting a little tired of being in limbo... *sigh*

As an aside, we're really hoping to get stationed in Germany - any of you get an overseas assignment as your first? We both have a few years experience... Thanks!

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Specializes in Flight/ICU/CCU/ED/Trauma.

I never even mentioned my vasectomy...guess that was a good thing, lol. Took me 22 months without mentioning it.

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Specializes in ED. ICU, PICU, infection prevention, aeromedical e.

I've been jumping through those same hoops for months. I'm an experienced CCU nurse. I started the process in June. I had originally expected/planned on being in COT in January. I still have no word. My final packet went off to the November board on October 28th. It is a long process of which we have no control. I will eventually get in, I believe. The one good thing I can say about this horrid wait is that it has done nothing but strengthen my resolve that the Air Force is the way I want to go. So be ready for that wait. And don't tell anyone what you're up to because they will all keep asking about it and it will add to your frustration! lol.

Good luck.

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I've been jumping through those same hoops for months. .

The process takes time.

I think it is good preparation for what is required to be in the military, patience.

Flexibility is also key.

Finally, I would say that you have learned one of the most important lessons - don't volunteer information.

Keep to yourself.

Show your peers and commanders only the perfect side of your career and off-duty life.

In the military it is important to:

1) Be patient

2) Be flexible

3) Offer no opinions unless asked, and then don't ever give your opinion - just say something the is benign and that supports the commander's thoughts and ideas.

4) Support your commanders

5) Don't show peers or commanders your personal life or personal thoughts. feelings, beliefs, so on.

Good luck and I hope everything works out

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If you don't act like a real person in the military - especially in the Air Force, and I speak from multiple years of experience in it - you will very quickly lose credibility with your subordinates and as result their respect for you will flag. Become known as a "yes" man for the commander and you'll be left with only the authority of your rank and none of your authority as a leader - and who the heck wants to be THAT officer?

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.
The process takes time.

I think it is good preparation for what is required to be in the military, patience.

Flexibility is also key.

Finally, I would say that you have learned one of the most important lessons - don't volunteer information.

Keep to yourself.

Show your peers and commanders only the perfect side of your career and off-duty life.

In the military it is important to:

1) Be patient

2) Be flexible

3) Offer no opinions unless asked, and then don't ever give your opinion - just say something the is benign and that supports the commander's thoughts and ideas.

4) Support your commanders

5) Don't show peers or commanders your personal life or personal thoughts. feelings, beliefs, so on.

Good luck and I hope everything works out

Can not agree with all of your assessment of the military. As a member with 20+ years seeing a leader like what you have written is a poor leader. Yes, you have to be patient, flexible and support your commanders. But you need to give your opinions. When you do give them they need to be in a professional manner. By having this type of communications will help not only you support your commanders direction but also help your commander carry on the direction too. As a leader you need to know about the feelings/personal lives of your peers, and those who are under you. You do not need to be detailed about how you feel etc. When I was in the Navy assigned to the Marines it was expected of each leader to know about the families of those under them. Including names, ages, etc. If you want to be known as a leader who cares about those who they work with or a leader with a heart of stone is up to you.

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.
Can not agree with all of your assessment of the military. As a member with 20+ years seeing a leader like what you have written is a poor leader. Yes, you have to be patient, flexible and support your commanders (even if you do not agree with what they are doing). But you need to give your opinions in a professional manner. Yes, there are times when commanders will not listen, but generally they are poor leaders. One of th reason for the Sr. NCO is to give the commander opinions about how decisions effect the enlisted. By having this type of communications will help not only you support your commanders direction but also help your commander carry on the direction too. As a leader you need to know about the feelings/personal lives of your peers, and those who are under you. You do not need to be detailed about how you feel etc. When I was in the Navy assigned to the Marines it was expected of each leader to know about the families of those under them. Including names, ages, etc. If you want to be known as a leader who cares about those who they work with or a leader with a heart of stone is up to you.
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