Want to be a Chief or a General? Read below for the perfect career path Published Aug. 25, 2006 By Lt. Col. Wayne Monteith 392nd Training Squadron commander VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AETCNS) -- That got your attention, didn't it? It makes no sense to leave success to chance. Why struggle taking jobs others insist are dead end, require too much time and effort, appear to be boring at first glance, or career killers, when you can skip all of that mundane garbage? Unlike winning the lottery, finding a four-leafed clover or seeing a unicorn in the forest, you don't have to leave your career to chance or luck. So, read slowly if you have to, but read on ... First of all, some folks believe you need to be tall, handsome, pretty, articulate and athletic. You must have the right degree and be capable of showering your supervisor with witty platitudes like, "Boss, has anyone told you how handsome and powerful you are today?" Sorry, not true. Others believe you must know someone who can help work your career and assignments. If not, they're convinced you'll never find "the path." Some believe you must have the "right" first assignment. So, if you've already completed your first assignment and didn't get the "right" one, you've got an uphill battle ahead of you. Again, not true. Whether you've been in our Air Force for a week or for 20-plus years, the secret to success actually boils down to working hard at whatever task you're given. That's true even when, or maybe especially when, no one is watching. In my 16 years of active-duty service I've had the pleasure and honor to work with E-1s through E-9s, O-1s through O 10s, and GS-3s through SES-5s. The successful ones always worked hard and had a few other traits in common. They lived the Air Force Core Values. No matter what transpired, they never compromised their integrity. No matter what job they were asked to do, they did it like it was the most important job on Earth. It wasn't just a place to wait until the "right job" came along. And finally, no matter how hard they worked, they never expected praise, rewards or the "perfect" next assignment. They worked hard because it was the right thing to do. Integrity, service and excellence ... looking back it all seems pretty simple now. Fortunately, I've had some pretty great mentors over the years and was taught to never worry about my next job or my next promotion. Besides, I'm pretty darn sure the Air Force will send me where I'm needed and will promote me if I'm qualified. I've had two jobs that folks "in the know" said would derail my career. Not only did my career continue to progress, but I had a great time, learned even more about my weapon system and made great friends. Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts to success. So, if you really want to be successful, just work hard at whatever task you're given, have a positive attitude, take care of those around you and trust. If you do this, I guarantee you'll be successful.