Words for the Young Officer

Lt Col (Retired) A. Hardee walked into the office out of the blue on Friday, and left me with these nuggets of wisdom 45 minutes later.

• The old guys should take care of the younger guys.
• Don't ever neglect your PMEs. SOS, ACSC, Air War College...do them by correspondence if you have to; in-residence is hard to get.
• Expect to fly regular jobs for a few years before you get the opportunity to even try out for special ops.
• Be a good XO. Your life will be hell for 2-3 years, you won't get credit for anything, but thereafter you'll be very valuable to a flag officer. They will protect you because you take care of the details.
  
• Work at the Pentagon if possible, even though you pilots don't like desk jobs.
  
• Watch your back, being an officer involves politics.