<p>Hornetguy,</p>
<p>Remember the difference between “boasting” and “praise”. If I see someone going around telling everyone how he won the Top Gun trophy this last quarter, I pull him aside and tell him to knock off the bragging. As that guys Commander? I better make sure that somewhere on his OPR I included the statement:<br>
“Superb aviator–Top Gun for this quarter; leads his squadron in the air and on the ground!”</p>
<p>OPRs are written by your commander (or at least should be. I hate to admit it, but there has been times in my career where I had to hand my boss a rather “thorough” rough draft of my OPR). It’s the commanders JOB and duty to make sure that those they feel are the “stand-outs” get recognized. Is over-inflation of OPRs an issue? Yeah, sometimes (but that is an issue you won’t have to face for some time yet). The important thing is, it’s the commander who does the bragging about his troop. </p>
<p>Important lesson for every one here: in the active service (and especially in the aviation community), whom do we respect? Simple answer: the quite and competent professional. The one who does’nt brag about what he’s accomplished, but goes out of his way to help and recognize his squadron mates. He knows his stuff cold, but doesn’t shove that fact in your face. He’s (or she’s 
) the one you go to to get the answer, and usually their response is: “I’m pretty sure this is what the tactics manual says, but let’s go look it up together and figure it out”. </p>
<p>I’m sure this attitude will get you far wherever you are, whether in Arnie Hall or in the squadron’s weapons vault. </p>
<p>And I’m spent, again…</p>