Originally Posted by Albief15

Let's talk about those non-flying duties a minute...

When I was a hard d*** captain, all I thought was important was killing migs, and anything the firm (the AF) threw in the way of training to do job 1 was a thorn in my side. And in fact, many many of the silly, stupid, time wasting activities the military is known for still rightly irritate the warrior culture.

However, I will also admit that a lot of the additional duties, especially the supervisory positions I held along the way, gave me insight into motivating, leading, and managing folks. The requirements to brief and debrief, as well as the presentation skills required for verifications, (S)WATT training, and platform instructor positions gave me the comm skills that I have used and honed in the interview and staffing business. In fact, I think the wide range of additional duties I had to do were siliently preparing me a job outside aviation in case (God forbid) I ever needed one. When I think about the lucky guy or gal who spent 2-3 years at a regional and are now senior to me at a major, I am envious of the fact they got their seat so young in life. However, I am also grateful that I have a breadth of experience and some backup options should I ever have to do anything else. Where am I going with this? Just sayin' I *****ed about additional duties about as much as any fighter pilot ever did...but a few years later I look back and realize a lot of my success both in and out of aviation came from some of the skills developed by those same *(&^ jobs.

And yeah...I've been both blessed and been lucky. I try to stay appreciative of the one who put in a position to recieve the blessings, and stay mentally and physically prepared to capitalize on any opportunities presented. I have been fortunate, but I don't think the route I have traveled required superior intellect of foresight...just some faith, dogged persistance, and the recognition that even superstars (which I ain't!) get a hand up now and then. Be faithful, work hard, network, and help others when you can...and don't forget that back up plan (or two). And if you are complaining on a clear night at 35,000 over the western US....I don't want to hear it. I'm just glad to be here...