Force shaping reallity, be the best, not the rest Published July 22, 2008 By Brandice Armstrong Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- Force shaping can be a daunting phrase, for an all-volunteer force in an era of budget cuts and manpower savings. But, Airmen, especially in the junior ranks, can protect themselves from an uncertain future. "Focus on doing the best job possible - winning today's fight - and everything else will take care of itself," said 72nd Air Base Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Eric Harmon. "If you do your very best, opportunities will always come your way." In order to better understand force shaping, Chief Harmon said an individual first must comprehend the motive behind the term. He said it's not about putting Airmen in arbitrary jeopardy, but to support the president's budget and the Air Force mission. "Right now we are engaged in a long-term war, and that's first and foremost," the chief said. "We've got to win today's fight, we have to take care of our people and we have to prepare for tomorrow's challenges, that's our main focus. When we look at that, we're able to put force shaping into proper perspective." Force shaping is not a new term and in order for the Air Force to continue operations, it needs manpower. Chief Harmon said changes are not happening instantaneously, it's systematical. As some specialties draw down, there are others that may need manpower. As long as Airmen are willing to be flexible, opportunities may still exist. The chief said the key is to keep up with current events, ask questions for clarification, and strategize to continue to prepare for the future. Airman 1st Class Molly Wittry said even though a forced separation is not a concern of hers, she knows it is to other Airmen. To combat the possibility, she said Airmen need to stay informed and be the best they can in all aspects of service. "They need to be aware of what's going on around them," she said. Airman Wittry is a member of the 72nd Medical Operations Squadron's Physical Therapy Clinic. "They need to stay at the top of their game within their career, their personal life, their fitness, and their health. They need to take care of themselves, so the Air Force can take care of them." Airman 1st Class Edrianne Flores-Tullis said a forced separation is a concern of hers and she agreed with Airman Wittry. "Since I plan to serve my 20 years or more as an enlisted member or officer, I have no choice but to maintain and excel in meeting all requirements," she said. Airman Flores-Tullis works in the 72nd Security Forces Squadron's Pass and ID Office. "In the future, I plan on cross training to a different career field and I will definitely choose an Air Force Specialty Code that the Air Force demands. I will cater to what the service needs." By joining the Air Force, Senior Airman Shatoria Lowe said its members will teach younger Airmen life skills that will prepare an individual for a career and leadership roles within or outside of the military. She said life skills include lessons about themselves, uncovering weaknesses, reinforcing strengths, and broadening prospects. "You're going to come in as a follower, but you'll be a leader," she said. Airman Lowe is a member of the 72nd Force Support Squadron's Employments Office. "Regardless of what you see on the news, you're going to be taken care of."