Individuals control their own career success Published Nov. 28, 2006 By Col Kevin Kriner 71st Operations Group Vance Air Force Base, Okla. -- If you're like me, you find work at the tactical, mission execution level of operations much more appealing than the separation and additional issues that flow with higher positions and levels of responsibility. Quite frankly, it was more fun to be on the pointy end where there were fewer distractions and most of my efforts could be directed towards my primary job. Most of you warriors are at the tip of the spear of our operations and doing great things for Team Vance and the country. From what I've seen, you're also enjoying it -- and you should!. My point here is not to diminish that, but to encourage anyone who's still reading to include a strategic, bigger picture, longer-term look into their game plans. I was never good at it, and it was a mistake. A mistake I'd like each of you to avoid. Here are a few things I hope you'll find useful as you progress in your careers. Attack the job you're in. You've heard it before, but doing a good job in whatever position you're assigned is extremely important. It is the foundation for your present and future success. However, as many have probably witnessed, it is not a guarantee of success. Just as none of us is perfect, "the system" isn't either. Don't let individual mistakes or perceived system errors, with you or your comrades, derail you. Also, don't let the system become an excuse for not accomplishing the things that you know are important to progress. I've witnessed many great people do both in my career ... and walk away with regrets. On the flip side of that, I've also seen others, including here at Vance AFB, who have done the right things and then peaked well below their ability/potential ... and keep attacking. The system will never defeat you, but you can defeat yourself. Eventually, all of us will hit our peak. Whatever the result, I encourage you to hit your peak running and not look back with animosity or regret. Know the System. Ignorance is bliss, and it certainly has been for a good part of my career. In fact, it wasn't until I became a squadron commander that I really faced reality. It was one thing to "John Wayne" a situation when I was the only one at risk. It was something completely different when my subordinates were the ones who would suffer the consequences. In order to set them up for success, I had two important tasks: really get to know the "real" system; and, play by the "real" system's rules. You don't have to like or agree with the system or its rules, but it is to your benefit to know and play by them. That means taking an honest look at the system, not ignoring it and playing by your own rules. You need to be a realist, not an idealist. What do I mean by idealist? It's playing by your own rules instead of the system's. Unless you're very lucky, it doesn't work. The system doesn't care. Like the defensive backs currently playing professional football right now, you can ignore the new rules on contact with receivers ... and continue to get penalized. Except it's only 15 yards in football. Take care of yourself. Early in my career, one of my supervisors once said,: "The only person who really cares about your career is you." From my experience, he was right. He wasn't referring to self-centered, careerism ... and I'm not See SUCCESS, Page 3 either. And he wasn't inferring that everyone else is indifferent about you and your success. He meant taking an interest in your career and things that surround it. Obviously, the things I've already discussed are a large part of that. Another key aspect is ensuring that your performance and accomplishments are accurately documented and reflected in your records. The first part of this is taking advantage of your performance feedback sessions to get an honest assessment of where you stand and recommendations on what you can do in the future. Next, it's taking the time to review and understand what is documented in your performance reports. If something doesn't add up ask the questions. Finally, and perhaps most important, ensure that your records are up to date and accurate. That includes all parts of your personnel and other pertinent records, such as emergency data, life insurance, etc. While accurate data helps the military, you and your family are the real beneficiaries--make sure information is accurate and up to date. Back to success in your career, I have been amazed at the amount of missing and inaccurate information I've seen while sitting on different selection boards. On one of those boards an officer was missing his last three performance reports! . It didn't happen intentionally, but, as I mentioned before, the system is not perfect. The most reliable person to identify and correct the errors was the officer himself, but he didn't do it. Don't let this happen to you. Be your own best advocate and ensure "your" records are in order -- every aspect of them. It's important to note here that "your" real personnel records are at Air Force Personnel Center and do not necessarily match what's maintained here on base. Both need to be accurate. Most of your career success is in your hands. Others can help along the way, but you need take an interest in your career, if you're not doing so already. Keep working hard, know what's expected, and take the time to review and update your records. While doing this may not guarantee your success, it will help you avoid unwarranted and unnecessary adversity. In the end, you are the one who cares the most about your career. Grab it and run as far and as high as you can. Set yourself up for success ... and don't look back! . Keep up the great work!