A career in the military is honorable and rewarding. Whether you choose to enlist in the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, or the National Guard, you can be sure your career will be exciting and filled with various opportunities. No matter what area of the military you are in, you can make a successful career for yourself. The U.S. Air Force has numerous possibilities and is a very fulfilling career field.
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Chief Master Sergeant Edwin Portan.
Chief Master Sergeant Edwin Portan is an active-duty Airman with more than 19 years of military service. Throughout his career, he has served in a variety of leadership and operational assignments supporting missions around the world, including deployments to the Middle East. Chief Portan has spent much of his career mentoring Airmen, developing teams, and leading in high-tempo environments. He remains passionate about leadership, professional development, and helping the next generation of Airmen succeed both personally and professionally.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are my own (Edwin Portan’s) based on personal experience during military service and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force, or the United States Government.
What are three tips on how to succeed and grow your career in the Air Force?
From my perspective, one of the biggest keys to success in the Air Force is being dependable. Your reputation starts forming very early on in your career, and people quickly notice who they can rely on when the mission becomes challenging. “In my experience, technical skill matters, but consistency, professionalism, attitude, and work ethic are what truly separate great Airmen from good ones over time,” Portan said. The people who earn trust are often the ones who continue receiving opportunities to grow and lead.
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Portan said another important factor is having the willingness to continue learning. “One thing I have personally appreciated throughout my career is the number of opportunities available to motivated Airmen.”
Portan said many people use their time in service to pursue education, professional certifications, and specialized training that can benefit them both personally and professionally. “The Airmen I have seen grow and become leaders are usually the ones who remain curious, adaptable, and willing to improve no matter how much experience they already have.”
Portan said it is also crucial to take care of the people you lead. “In my opinion, some of the strongest leaders in the Air Force are not necessarily the loudest people in the room.” They are the ones who invest time in mentoring others, building trust, setting the example, and helping their teams succeed. Portan said Military service is ultimately a team effort, and no mission succeeds without strong relationships and teamwork. If you genuinely care about people and stay committed to the mission, you can have a positive impact that lasts far beyond a single assignment.
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What are different routes and career options within the Air Force?
“One of the things that surprised me most throughout my career was how many different paths and opportunities exist within the Air Force,” Portan said. “Many people immediately think of pilots or aircraft, but there are also career fields involving cybersecurity, intelligence, engineering, logistics, aircraft maintenance, medical support, communications, security forces, public affairs, space operations, and special warfare, just to name a few.”
Portan pointed out that every specialty contributes to the larger mission in its own way, and each career field offers unique experiences and challenges. “In my experience, careers in the Air Force can evolve significantly over time. Some Airmen focus heavily on technical expertise within their specialty, while others pursue leadership opportunities or assignments that expose them to entirely different environments and responsibilities.” Portan said he has seen Airmen serve in overseas assignments, instructor roles, joint assignments with other military branches, and special duties that allowed them to represent the Air Force in unique ways. That variety is part of what keeps the experience exciting and rewarding throughout a career.
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What additional skills can one acquire or learn in the Air Force?
“From my experience, service in the Air Force helps many people develop skills that go far beyond technical training alone”, said Portan. “Airmen often strengthen their leadership abilities, communication skills, discipline, adaptability, and problem-solving capabilities through real-world responsibilities and teamwork.” Portan pointed out that learning how to perform under pressure while remaining focused on the mission is something many service members carry with them for the rest of their lives.
“I have also seen many Airmen gain valuable experience working with advanced technology, complex operations, and diverse teams of people from different backgrounds. In those environments, communication, professionalism, accountability, and trust become extremely important. Those lessons are difficult to fully appreciate until you experience them firsthand as part of a mission-focused team.”
Portan mentioned that, professionally, many Airmen pursue college degrees, industry certifications, leadership courses, and advanced qualifications throughout their careers. “In my opinion, one of the most valuable things people gain through military service is adaptability. Missions change, environments change, and technology evolves, and leaders must learn to adjust while continuing to move forward. The ability to stay flexible and resilient becomes valuable long after military service ends.”
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What are two of the most exciting aspects of being part of the Air Force?
“For me personally, one of the most rewarding aspects of serving in the Air Force has been the people. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work alongside talented and motivated individuals from all backgrounds who were united by a shared mission and sense of purpose.”
Portan said some of the strongest friendships and professional relationships he has built have come from overcoming challenges together. “Those experiences forge a sense of camaraderie, something I will always value. I haven’t been lucky enough to be stationed near relatives, but I have been blessed with a few coworkers who became friends and quickly turned into family.”
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Portan mentioned another exciting aspect, in his opinion, is the variety of experiences available throughout an Air Force career. “Very few careers offer the opportunity to work in so many different environments while constantly learning and adapting along the way. I have seen Airmen take on assignments that challenged them professionally, helped them grow personally, and exposed them to opportunities they never expected when they first joined. The experience is rarely static, which keeps the career dynamic and engaging over time.”
Portan also believes Military service often helps people discover capabilities they did not realize they had. “Many Airmen enter the service unsure of what to expect, but over time they develop confidence, resilience, and leadership abilities through experience and responsibility. Watching people grow into stronger professionals and leaders has honestly been one of the most rewarding parts of my career.”
If you could give three top pieces of advice to someone thinking about joining the Air Force, what would they be?
“Firstly, come in with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. In my experience, nobody expects a new Airman to know everything immediately.” Portan said what people do notice very quickly in this career field is effort, professionalism, discipline, and how someone responds to feedback. “The individuals who stay coachable and motivated usually place themselves in the best position to grow throughout their careers,” said Portan.
“Secondly, take advantage of opportunities when they are presented to you. Many Airmen use military service to pursue education, technical skills, certifications, leadership experience, and personal growth opportunities that can benefit them for years to come.”
Portan mentioned some opportunities may feel intimidating at first, but he has seen tremendous growth happen when people are willing to step outside their comfort zone and challenge themselves. “I enlisted with only my high school diploma, and while serving, I have been able to pursue my education. I just completed my master’s degree, which will provide more career opportunities once I retire from the Air Force and transition to the civilian workforce.”
“Finally, remember that military service is about being part of something bigger than yourself. Success is rarely an individual accomplishment in the Air Force,” Portan said. “Teams accomplish the mission together, and strong relationships matter. Treat people with respect, stay professional, work hard, and focus on contributing positively to the mission and the people around you. In my opinion, the reputation you build through your actions and character will follow you throughout your entire career.”