My job ... the Air Force Published Oct. 19, 2006 By Tech. Sgt. Kerry Miller 20th Operations Support Squadron SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C -- I was asked recently what my job was. I thought about it for a second and replied, "I am in the Air Force." I was then asked, "what do you do?" "I do what ever it takes to get the mission done." I've come to the realization that my job description has become extremely fluid in today's rapidly changing Air Force. Simply stating the text book definition of my career field didn't seem to cover it. The dynamics of the Air Force and my job seem to change daily. I have to be flexible, able to adapt on a moment's notice, think on my feet and make the quick decisions that are required to make each day a success. I am expected to set daily, monthly, quarterly and yearly goals despite not knowing the future. I have to anticipate the obstacles that will affect the success of my unit, my troops and myself. My long-term plans must now include longer deployment tours, austere manning and an increasing mission here at Shaw. As the Air Force reduces its manning, takes on larger roles and expects more from Airmen than ever before; the challenge is to find ways to improve shop processes while still helping my troops succeed. I find what success means to each individual under me and then help him or her reach that goal. I have to remember to adjust my leadership style to each individual because each person's definition of success is different. I must show my troops that I can not only lead but follow as well. This means I must set a good example for my troops since I expect it from them. I must enthusiastically accept and follow directions from my superiors, presenting their orders like they came from me and completing the tasks without complaining to those under me. It is my job to fill any position world wide for my career field. Those duties can vary greatly from one station to the next. During the last 14 years, the Air Force has afforded me a large knowledge base for my job. However, I have found experience has been the best teacher. Deployments have taught me things I never could have learned from a stateside base. I have taken what has been given to me and tried hard to build upon it. I have also tried to share that with my troops. It's not easy to clearly define my job. So if you ask me what my job is, I will tell you my job is the Air Force. I will do what ever it takes to get the mission done.