Every Airman is mission essential

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ramon A. Adelan
  • 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  "Does my job matter?" "How am I contributing to the mission?" Every Airman at one time has wondered this.

For some Airmen who consider battlefield Airmen, pilots, maintainers, or medics as mission essential, they may think, "I would like to do something where I contribute more directly to the mission."

The truth is that every Airman plays an essential role in the success of the mission, including the ones behind the scenes. Without Airmen in support who prepare and maintain others to deploy, the mission doesn't happen.

Senior Airman Rolando Alvarado, 9th Force Support Squadron force management technician, often wondered how his career would be different if he chose another job.

"I thought it would be cool to be a pararescue jumper or a pilot," Alvarado said. "During my first couple years in the Air Force, I volunteered some time working with security forces. It was great to experience something different, but I began to realize the importance of my duty in personnel."

Alvarado's primary duty at the military personnel flight is to manage the records of the unit he is assigned. The records include, reviewing and updating duty status, orders, processing Airmen for deployments, and various other tasks.

"My job isn't as easy as people may think," Alvarado said. "The information I have to process for members can be overwhelming and stack up quickly, but it's something that has to get done."

The management of Airmen's information plays a significant role in one's career. Incorrect or incomplete information can interfere with an Airman's change of station, deployment, specialized pay, evaluations, and other variables, which can hinder mission success.

"After realizing the importance of my job, it changed my perspective on what contributes to the mission," Alvarado said. "I contribute to the mission, without me the mission stops." 

Every Airman is mission essential

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ramon A. Adelan
  • 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  "Does my job matter?" "How am I contributing to the mission?" Every Airman at one time has wondered this.

For some Airmen who consider battlefield Airmen, pilots, maintainers, or medics as mission essential, they may think, "I would like to do something where I contribute more directly to the mission."

The truth is that every Airman plays an essential role in the success of the mission, including the ones behind the scenes. Without Airmen in support who prepare and maintain others to deploy, the mission doesn't happen.

Senior Airman Rolando Alvarado, 9th Force Support Squadron force management technician, often wondered how his career would be different if he chose another job.

"I thought it would be cool to be a pararescue jumper or a pilot," Alvarado said. "During my first couple years in the Air Force, I volunteered some time working with security forces. It was great to experience something different, but I began to realize the importance of my duty in personnel."

Alvarado's primary duty at the military personnel flight is to manage the records of the unit he is assigned. The records include, reviewing and updating duty status, orders, processing Airmen for deployments, and various other tasks.

"My job isn't as easy as people may think," Alvarado said. "The information I have to process for members can be overwhelming and stack up quickly, but it's something that has to get done."

The management of Airmen's information plays a significant role in one's career. Incorrect or incomplete information can interfere with an Airman's change of station, deployment, specialized pay, evaluations, and other variables, which can hinder mission success.

"After realizing the importance of my job, it changed my perspective on what contributes to the mission," Alvarado said. "I contribute to the mission, without me the mission stops."