Things Change

I'm not opposed to change, but sometimes I don't like it. Even though there's a move in our near future, that's not the change that's currently on my mind. Lately I've been thinking about how the Air Force, as a way of life, has changed.

Ok, I understand...I'm "old". Old people don't like change! I've been a part of "the greatest Air Force the world has ever known" (to quote a friend) for 19 years. I've seen lots of uniform changes...leadership changes...draw-downs...I've seen airplanes move from active use to the "boneyard" in Tucson...gate guards that used to wear white gloves and had a flair about waving/saluting you through the gate...I could go on and on.

But the topic for me right now is how the AF used to be "a way of life", but now it seems to be more of just a "JOB". (Ok, let the arrows fly...)

I'm not exactly sure when it started happening. When we started out, EVERYONE lived on base. It was the place to be...and, it was affordable. The condition of your home didn't seem to matter as much. Schools didn't seems to be an issue then; we had plenty of senior leaders with older children living on base. We all (all ranks) went to the O'Club on Friday night. (People actually got babysitters and went to the club.) We stuck together...probably because we only had each other. (That hasn't changed...AF people, for the most part, are separated from family.) We used to hang out with people from our squadron(s)/unit. We did stuff together...and enjoyed it!

Somewhere along the line, most of that changed. It seems that more people live off-base now. You can get a way nicer house (compared to base housing) for your BAH. No one goes to the club anymore. (Part of that falls on the clubs - I'll be the first to say, they're not what they used to be.) Nobody wants to hang out with the people they work with.

Let me say this...there is a time in everyone's life/career when they need to step back. They need to take some time for family or themselves or whatever. You can't be involved every month of every assignment. I've been there a couple of times.

But, having said that, it seems like the AF is now just a job, like any other. People drive to the base, do their 8 hours, and drive home. God forbid if there's some sort of "function" or "social" that they have to attend. I understand that people have a life outside of the AF. I know there are school events, sports, church, clubs, etc. We do our fair share of those things too. I'm not saying you have to be best buds with everyone from work, but why is there so much non-participation? There seems to be no desire to make new friendships or to pass along experiences anymore. Are people just more anti-social nowdays? Do they not want to share themselves because they're only going to be there a short time? I'm confused by all of this. I guess it all boils down to individual priorities.

I have some thoughts on spouse programs too, but I think I'll save those for another post.

I can only imagine what the "old folks" at the commissary think about how the AF has changed! Of course, they're not in the daily grind anymore, but I'm sure they still feel it. I look forward to keeping in touch with old friends, going to squadron reunions and running into those old friends at new assignments. I can't wait to be one of those "old" people sharing stories of the good old days!