TS91,

Welcome to Blue, and thank you for your service. When the guys my age got in, we knew it was a chance we'd go off to war some day, and we did. But when your generation enlisted, you knew you WOULD go off to war (and you will... often) - that's impressive. Thank you.

My advice:

Priority one is to learn your current job and do it better than anyone else. Listen to your NCOs, help your fellow Amn, and be the first guy to volunteer to work. Find the guy/gal who you think is the best loadmaster in the squadron, and learn from him/her (and some day, when you're the best loadmaster in the squadron, look for new guys and teach them likewise).

Once you're eligible, order your CDCs, study the hell out of them, and ace the test. Be ready to get signed off for 5-level at the earliest opportunity. Then start on your CCAF.

You do those things, and you're competitive for below-the-zone to SrA. If you're looking for a commission and UPT some day, that's a huge plus. If you're planning to get out after 4, SrA early is more money in your pocket for those days.

Take advantage of all the opportunities you've got. If you've got dependents, sign up NOW for GI Bill transferability. Once you've got your CCAF degree, look into the opportunities for Tuition Assistance.

If you're single, stay in the dorms as long as possible. Single or married, stay away from the party scene, and start saving a couple bucks a month. When it starts coming in, put your flight and combat pay away also. Treat yourself every once in a while, but stay out of debt, and STAY AWAY FROM the "PAY DAY"/"CASH LOAN" predators that will be right out the front gate.

Starting well right now will set you up for opportunities later, whether in the AF or outside.

Again, thanks for your service, and once you get 25 posts so you can PM, please feel free to bounce questions to me through that method.