An MQ-9 Reaper sits on the flight line at Hurlburt Field, Fla., May 3, 2014.The MQ-9 Reaper is an armed, multi-mission, medium-altitude, long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft that is employed primarily as an intelligence-collection asset and secondarily against dynamic execution targets. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration/Staff Sgt. John Bainter)

Commentaries

At ease among warriors: A civilian's perspective

  • Published
  • By Adam Duckworth
  • 919th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
DUKE FIELD, Fla. --  Back in 1986, I found myself on the bus ramp at Bob Sikes Elementary School. It was my first day of kindergarten and I was surrounded by other children and adults who were complete strangers to me. The sights and sounds were overwhelming and, to add insult to injury, I saw my mother walking slowly away in the other direction.

Needless to say, I began to cry my eyes out. With no definite plan in mind (what kind of plan are you expecting from a five year old kid, anyway?), I began to run after her as her Buick sped out of the parking lot. I only took three quick steps before I was snatched up by the principal and placed in a line heading to an unknown classroom. I was scared. Terrified. Frightened beyond words.

Of course, that all changed when I entered the classroom, smelled the familiar aroma of water colors and Play-Doh, and realized that kindergarten was actually one big playtime.

Even though I have matured over the years, I still have that terrifying feeling when I start a new job in a completely new environment. There's that sensation of being kicked out of home, finding yourself in a place where you don't know if your colleges will like you or steal your lunch money, and all you're left with is your own insecurities, doubts and questions. Add to that the fact that here, at Duke Field, I'm a civilian walking into an organization that has time-honored traditions that are way beyond my area of expertise, and the intimidation factor quadruples.

I'm not going to lie; the military tradition intimidated me. Due to my own ignorance, my initial reaction is to be inactive so I don't get in anyone's way and be disrespectful. But it took all of 30 seconds to realize this plan would be severally ineffective. Thus, I've had to jump right in and do the best I can. There are still days when I walk into a meeting and 80 percent of the "military speak" goes right over my head. Yet, my perceptions are beginning to change.

I have realized that this base operates as one big family. Everyone is willing to lend a helping hand and does so with pride. It's refreshing to know that, when my head is under water, I'm not too far away from those holding a life vest.  In the end, I've come to develop even more respect for both the U.S. Air Force and the Department of Defense. While I'm a far away from the classrooms full of Play-Doh, I still feel right at home.