Allison Thompson
Success is a word of many definitions; its meaning can vary greatly among individuals and their circumstances. Webster's defines success as, "degree or measure of succeeding, and favorable or desired outcome," but there is much more to this word than defined by Mr. Webster.
Prior to enlisting in the military, my only concept of success came from participation in organized sports where it was easily measurable by individual accomplishments or team championships. A marginal student in high school and my brief college experience, without any defined short or long term goals, I realized that an academic career was not best suited for me at that time in my life. In July, 1978 I reported to U. S. Navy Recruit Training Center in Orlando, Florida and promptly received my first exposure to real success . Unfortunately for me, it belonged to a Senior Chief Petty Officer who appeared none to willing to share this quality. Though not apparent to me at the time, that Senior Chief began laying the foundation of success that would not only carry me through my military career but has carried over to all aspects of my life beyond the military. Those first grueling weeks taught many valuable lessons, foremost to be decisive and function as a team. In addition to the integration of thought and ideas, teams functioning in a cooperative environment tend to outperform individuals. These lessons were the blueprint for boot camp and class "A" school survival as well as paving the way for transition to the fleet where the opportunity for success in real life and death situations awaited.
Within months of reporting to my first command, Attack Squadron Sixty-Five, the squadron deployed aboard the U.S.S. Dwight D. Eisenhower for a ten month cruise to the Persian Gulf in support of the Iranian hostage crisis. A designated Aviation Fire Control Technician, responsible for aircraft weapons and navigational systems maintenance, success was no longer about individual accomplishments or team championships but was now measured by the command's mission success and accomplishments. Attaining an aircrew's confidence that they would be operating an aircraft that could transport them safely to and from a target, and deliver their ordnance with minimum collateral damage was now the goal. With uncommon zeal, vitality, and ingenuity we performed our duties every day for ten months, but more importantly was the fact that our adversary knew our capabilities and it was this knowledge that kept the American hostages alive during this crisis. The foremost lessons learned during recruit training were instrumental in the planning, training, and preparation that were essential to the completion of these arduous missions but pride was the immeasurable factor. There was a feeling of failure or letdown when an aircraft mission was cancelled due to equipment malfunction or an unscheduled maintenance action, we believed that we could, and normally did, repair anything in minimal time. For myself, nothing was more exhilarating than being on the flight deck during launch and recovery operations knowing that you were a big part in all that was going on around you.
By the time my first tour was winding down I had advanced to Second Class Petty Officer and was functioning as a shift supervisor. I had learned much about my job, the military, what it really meant to serve, and had achieved more than I thought attainable. I recognized that I was part of something very special and made the decision to make the U.S. Navy my career. Though my career to this point had been positive, it was then that I realized my desire for improvement and made a commitment to achieve success. I had seen and met many people whom I respected, admired, and had influenced my career and I wanted to others to see me in that light. The long term goal was to wear khaki, I wanted to be a Chief Petty Officer. Advancement in the Navy had become highly competitive and only those that took the initiative to prepare for advancement exams, studying rate training manuals as well as general aviation maintenance manuals, were being selected. The Navy did its part by providing service schools that enhanced general knowledge as well as practical knowledge, I volunteered for every opportunity to better my knowledge. My first attempt at the First Class Petty Officer exam was a futile attempt, the Navy was selecting only one individual for advancement in my rating. Realistically, I knew that there were many people my senior taking the test who were also well prepared, but I was still disappointed when the results were released and I was not selected. I vowed to do better and searched out positions of greater responsibilities. It was not until my third attempt that I was promoted to First Class Petty Officer, I had achieved this through a lot of hard work and study. Many had credited the Navy for my success, but I chose to credit the Navy for giving me the opportunity to succeed, I had just taken advantage of that opportunity. After attaining the rank of First Class Petty Officer, advancement for me slowed. The world was still providing opportunities for the Navy to showcase it's talents, foremost being the first Gulf War. I was again deployed aboard the U.S.S. Dwight D. Eisenhower when hostilities broke out and our Battle Group were the first combat units on station. Through our preparation and hard work and the enemies knowledge of our capabilities, Iraq's invasion was stabilized within Kuwait's borders until the full brunt of the U.S. Military could be mobilized and Kuwait liberated. I had become a resident expert on the aircraft weapons systems and had become content with my position as a work center supervisor. Though I still had aspirations of becoming a Chief Petty Officer, it was no longer my top priority and it would take a lesson in humility for me to get there.
Humility is a trait required for anyone on the journey of success. For me, it meant reaching out to a Master Chief Petty Officer, much more experienced and wise than I was. Accepting his help and guidance allowed me to leap the final hurdle to attain my goal of becoming a Chief Petty Officer. An operational squadron's tempo is such that it is easy to become distracted by all of the personnel requirements and logistics needed to allow the command to function at the highest level, the Master Chief taught me that it was also imperative to create time for myself, I would have to continually strive for excellence in my personal goals as well. This lesson was not forgotten during my time as a Chief, I learned to measure my success by the successes and achievements by those working for me. Although the command's mission always maintained the top priority, it was equally important to that a find a way to give subordinates an opportunity to succeed.
Though I made a personal decision not to complete my college education, the value of education and increasing knowledge through any means, formal classroom training or immersing yourself in technical manuals to increase professional skills, was not lost on me. The tools and lessons I learned and passed on to my children have made them excellent students. My daughter Allison is a junior at East Carolina University, during her time there she has been selected for inclusion to The National Society of Collegiate Scholars, the Honor Roll, and is a Dean's List Student. I can not speak as to what her original goals were, but I can say that her diligence, preparation, and commitment will have provided her with great opportunities when she graduates.
No longer in a supervisory position as a telecommunicator for the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the skills and lessons learned during my time in the military prove invaluable everyday. Being able to quickly evaluate available information, make decisive choices, and interacting with other telecommunicators and agencies are all skills that were acquired during my military career. These skills impact trooper safety and enhance the public's perception of the Highway Patrol as an organization. This job has allowed me to continue my public service, which for me breeds contentment thus success.
To summarize, the military taught me to succeed by always being prepared. Preparation establishes clear cut goals, maximizes problem resolution abilities, and allows for team building. This allows for a decisiveness that you have chosen the best possible path for accomplishment of established goals and the confidence to prevail over any obstacle that short circuit that path. That pitfalls and setbacks will occur is a certain fact, but so is knowing there is always someone willing to assist and guide when needed, know when to seek and where to find assistance. Although each journey to success is an individual matter, the end result is measurable by a person's contentment with themselves and the successes of those around them.
I would take a moment to thank your fine organization for sponsoring this scholarship opportunity. In these uncertain economic times, it is more crucial than ever to assist our young people with their education. I believe that the solutions to the many problems plaguing our nation lay with the students currently enrolled in our colleges, universities, and their professors. For your efforts, I salute you.
