Discipline…your key to success

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Tony Holmes
  • Detachment 1, 95th Reconnaissance Squadron commander
SOUDA BAY, CRETE --  The mission isn't getting any smaller for the 55th Wing and there aren't more people available to get the job done. So how can you succeed as a professional Airman while still ensuring our mission gets accomplished? The answer is discipline.

Webster's define discipline as training to act in accordance with rules, as well as behavior and order maintained by training and control. These definitions sound right in line with what we in the Air Force strive for every day; order and discipline.

We all know that discipline with technical orders on the flightline or in the back shop is crucial to getting the job done right. And aviators have a strict adherence to checklist discipline before, during and after flight. But how can discipline help you succeed as a professional Airman?

Discipline should be the foundation of everything you do in your life. If you have discipline you will complete the rank appropriate professional military education in time to make you competitive for the next promotion at the earliest opportunity. If you have discipline you will make time to exercise in order for you to pass your fitness test. If you have discipline you will be responsible when it comes to drinking alcoholic beverages, as well as being a good wingman when you notice your fellow Airmen getting out of line by escorting them home safely.

If you have discipline in your life the sky is the limit, so set your dreams and aspirations high, because you truly can accomplish anything you set your mind to.

Why do I push this concept you may ask? It's because when I've practiced discipline in my own life I've made noticeable improvements in myself, as well as work areas I've been employed.

You don't have to be the smartest kid on the block to succeed, but you do have to be willing to work for it. When you combine a strong work ethic along with discipline, you have force to be reckoned with, because no obstacle is too big to stand in your way.

Disciplined Airmen are what we need in our Air Force today - ones that are determined to make things better for themselves and for those around them. As I mentioned, the mission is not getting any smaller. In these tough times of budget constraints, the people and resource side of the house aren't expanding. What's left is dedicated Airmen to get the mission accomplished.

And what's the glue that holds this dedication and work ethic together? You've got it...discipline. Practice the concept of discipline every day in all phases of your life and you'll be surprised at how far you can go.