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<p>Outstanding piece of wisdom here, and probably the best thing said on this thread. Eagle, welcome to the AF, keep that perspective and you will do well.</p>
<p>It really comes down to “do what is best for YOU, and give it your best. The rest should fall into place after that”. </p>
<p>There really is no guaranteed “path” that will get you to the highest ranks of the military, and quite frankly, its something you shouldn’t be spending too many brain-bytes on right now worrying over. Just do your job to the best of your ability, and ALWAYS strive to be the best you can at it – do this, and your bosses will be the ones spending THEIR brain-bytes worrying about the next steps in your career for you.</p>
<p>Mombee is correct; EVERYONE’s career is anecdotal in how they got there. There are just too many factors involved to set a “standard career path to a Star on your shoulder”. From doing the RIGHT job, to knowing the RIGHT people, to being at the RIGHT place at the RIGHT time, to acting the RIGHT way, and even to having the RIGHT amount of luck. Each of the leaders in the military took a slightly different path, and each of the factors above played a part in different measures in ensuring they got to where they are now.</p>
<p>AFIT before UPT? Of course, it has its plusses and minuses, discussed here ad nausem. It up to YOU to measure these factors and decide what is best for you. The fun part is NOT knowing where that path will take you, and still finding happiness that is best for you no matter where that road takes you.</p>
<p>From the quote above, Eagle, I KNOW you’ll do well in the path you’ve chosen. Good luck throughout your career.</p>