I knew the day would eventually arrive. There were times that it was nearly self-imposed, brought on by circumstances that seemed to be out of my control, but feeling a change was critical, nonetheless.
The email wasn’t unexpected. Reminders are sent automatically when certain milestones are imminent so that one can prepare and get ready for those decisions that will have a major impact on your life. The Command Screening Board, the decision-making body of the United States Air Force that determines if you are eligible for consideration for Group Command. Every year since I pinned on Colonel in 2018, I have been eligible for consideration holding fast to the commitment of being all in and desiring the opportunity to command at the next higher level. I have never been selected, but at least I was in the running. That is not the case any longer.
To be considered for Group Command you must have the requisite number of years before mandatory retirement, which I no longer have. The email was a reminder that the option for consideration was no longer on the table. I knew in the back of my mind that this moment was coming, and actually it was just around the corner. In fact, I had even made the decision to retire because of numerous factors, but the finality of the Air Force telling me that I’m too damn old and been around too long to be considered for further leadership progression was a bit of a slap in the face.
So, it’s time to prepare for an awesome change. Even though I fight against the institutionalization that has crept into my soul the past twenty-five years, I plan to stare down the reality and the fears and plan to prepare to make the most of my second life, the one that doesn’t involve putting on a uniform every day.