Time management key takeaway Published March 21, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Joseph Anselmo 56th Security Forces Squadron LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- My family and friends ask me all the time, "What are have you taken away from your Air Force experience thus far?" This question typically brings to mind many things, but I give them the usual, "I have learned how to be more responsible and independent." If there is one solitary thing I have pulled away from my Air Force experience, it would definitely be how to manage my time. The words "time management" should ring huge for every individual currently serving in this outstanding force. I know as we progress through our military careers mastering this skill only gets harder, which is why I feel it's important to take advantage of this opportunity as Airmen to learn how to do so. Personally, it can be difficult for me at times. I have a wife, who is eight and half months pregnant, and could deliver any minute. My job is very demanding in many ways as well. I have to finish my career development courses, work eight to 12-hour shifts daily, and continue to be a sponge while trying to absorb all the knowledge I can on how to become a better asset to the world's greatest Air Force. All this is just the tip of a rather large iceberg. The bottom line is, we all have multiple obligations and must do our best to manage our time while dealing with the demands of the Air Force. As we get older, we take on even more responsibilities and our families begin to grow. Everything becomes more difficult as time goes on. As Airmen, I feel like we are all in the same boat. We are given tasks, and we are told to complete them in an exceptional manner. We have to volunteer, finish our upgrade training; the list goes on and on. This is why developing time management skills is critical. Before you know it, we are the ones being depended upon to teach fellow Airmen how to manage their time and accomplish their goals. "He who every morning plans the transaction of the day and follows out that plan, carries a thread that will guide him through the maze of the most busy life. But where no plan is laid, where the disposal of time is surrendered merely to the chance of incidence, chaos will soon reign." -- Victor Hugo With that being said, learn these skills now. With the many stressors of everyday life you may think there isn't enough time in the day to accomplish all that you need to. Once you learn how to manage your time, you will begin to achieve everything you set out to accomplish.