Tuesday February 05, 2008
Tuesday February 05, 2008 Petty Officer 2nd class advancement exams are just around the corner and as I start buckling down, I can't help but think and remind myself about one of the reasons I chose this occupation. In my previous adventures of employment, there'd be opportunities or chance of advancement based upon (if not strictly, to an affecting degree) who you knew or your popularity amongst a group (maybe the group of people that will have some say on determining your advancement). To no surprise, the military offers some kind of structure or criteria in which a person is judged against. And for someone who enjoys the dialogues that subjectivity can offer as a budding photographer and all-around artist, I actually find this... intriguing.
My experience in college (and in particular the arts community) meant that if you wanted those extra shows outside of what was required for class, you had to be buddy-buddy with a prof or the "hook-ups." It was ultimately this only way you'd get your point across, having your work stand out and be heard beyond the general student populous and their assigned work. My work didn't really interest the people I lived with at the time and so that proved to be an unforgiving environment to live in, ultimately affecting my work overall. If it was the other way around, word of mouth could've possibly paved its way to further opportunities to get my work out - but even then, this is a form of that buddy-networking.
Here, it's strictly based on performance: how well you know your damn job and how well you can do it. I like that. There's nothing more satisfying than being accepted for the extra detail (that same detail my RDCs drilled into my head) or that extra effort that separates you from the next guy in rank. Making rank means making more money and at a time when I really need to exercise or develop some kind of financial strength, advancement can mean a lot at this point. I'm not saying there's no buddy-networking happening (hey, if you know someone in the office, you could possibly get hooked up a job instead of rakin' leaves with the E-1s - but that still is based upon performance and what you can offer on the table), but when it comes down to it, it's whether you know your chops. Unlike my prior jobs, having dated my department supervisor or sharing the same interests that involve red dixie cups full with the cheapest beer alongside my co-workers will not determine whether or not I make rank. To a degree, that's why I prefer wearing the uniform because the rank on your left sleeve (or collars) or the candy on your chest act just like a resume, a curriculum vitae that demonstrates what you've gone through, what you know, also providing inspiration and motivation to your subordinates.
Posted by ksaddi ( Feb 05 2008, 01:45:05 AM PST ) Permalink Comments [1]
