Hit the Ground Running Published Aug. 26, 2011 By Lt. Col. Gerry Gleckel Commander, 45th Launch Support Squadron PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- It's August and that means we've officially hit the oppressive heat and humidity of the Florida summer. In addition to sunscreen, 101 Critical Days, and more frequent use of the pool, summertime for the Air Force also means prime PCS season. Many of you that are reading this have either just PCS'd into the base or are on your way out to a new assignment. Either way, the advice I would give to you is the same: hit the ground running at your new job. The organization that you're about to join is, like all organizations in the Air Force, stretched thin. Budget cuts, civilian hiring reductions, tighter promotion and retention rates, and increased deployments are forcing us all to "do more with less" (or at the very least, do the same with less). While your sponsor and your supervisor will do their best to try and get you settled in your new job, they're being pulled in a thousand directions. Instead of expecting them to walk you through it, take a more proactive approach and take control of your own training and orientation. Your new co-workers will appreciate it. Sit next to a co-worker at unit meetings and lean over and ask questions (or write them down to ask later if that's less disruptive). Walk around your work center and "interview" the other people there to find out about your new job. Who are your customers and key stakeholders? What are the critical issues for your organization? What is your role in the upcoming ORI/UCI? Who do you support and who supports you? These are just a few of the questions you should be asking. If you find yourself sitting at your desk twiddling your thumbs, get up and walk over to a co-worker and help them with whatever they're working on. Before you know it, you'll be a fully contributing member of your organization. Welcome to Patrick AFB, we've been waiting for you and are thrilled you're here. Now, get to work!