Smoke Signals (18 September 2004)

from Chief Bob Loftus, USAF (ret) 

I’ve been asked to contribute some ‘pearls of wisdom’ to all of you, the IDMT community.  For those that know me and served with me, some of this will sound very familiar.  For those that don’t know me, I was one of you for 11 years, and extremely proud of it.  I even continued my annual refresher for the first two years I wore my Chief stripes.  Unfortunately, my duties soon overcame my ability to fit refresher training in.  As with the great majority of you, IDMT was a passion!

Let me start with your new career field.  It has taken a long, long time to get to this point, but as I said throughout most of the ‘90’s, “it’s going to happen”.  I am very proud to say I was part of the early process – as the Command 4N0 Manager for ACC from 1994 to 1999, I can tell you that all the Command Managers during that period worked diligently to make your new career field a reality.  Moreover, obviously, the hard worked was continued by our successors.

On promotions/career progression – TSgt (I hope that’s right) Semler posted an excellent and right on response to this question on the IDMT Forum.  Couldn’t have done better myself when I was still on active duty.  Keep in mind, especially for the top 3 grades, the folks sitting on those boards still look for “depth and breadth” of experience within the career field.  Duty titles should be appropriate for what you are doing, but do not carry the same weight as what you actually are doing.  Dane – as you pointed out, stay away from additional duties that take you away from your primary responsibility – patient care! 

I’ll finish this with a challenge (make that two challenges) – to all of you IDMTs out there, it is your responsibility to make this new career field work!  The ‘badge’ issue and the ‘pro pay’ issue may or may not come about.  Stay focused on the quality patient care that you are known for, recruit those up and coming quality junior NCOs, when you get them, train and mentor them to be your replacement.  The second part of my challenge to you is – some how, some way, making time for those that you love & take care of yourself.  That means find ways to continue your education (CCAF and beyond) and prepare for that day you retire.

   Stay Safe Out There!

    Chief Bob Loftus, USAF (ret)