Communications Electronics |
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Service Photo |
Service Details |
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Current Service Status
USAF Veteran
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Current/Last Rank
Master Sergeant
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Current/Last Primary AFSC/MOS
2E1X2-Meteorological and Navigation Systems
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Current/Last AFSC Group
Communications Electronics
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Primary Unit
2001-2005, 2E1X2, AETC Headquarters
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Previously Held AFSC/MOS
30431-Apprentice Flight Facilities Equipment Repairman
30452-Ground Communications Equipment Repairman,
99502-Military Training Instructor
8B000-Military Training Instructor
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Service Years
1984 - 2005
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Official/Unofficial US Air Force Certificates
Cold War Certificate
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1985-1986, 30431, Keesler Air Force Base
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1986-1989, 30452, 1993rd Communications Squadron
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1990-1990, 30452, 96th Communications Squadron
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1991-1994, 99502, 321st Basic Military Training Squadron (Cadre)
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1994-1995, 8B000, 737th Training Support Squadron (Cadre)
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1995-1998, 2E1X2, 12th Communications Squadron
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1998-1999, 2E1X2, JTF-Bravo
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1999-2001, 2E1X2, 12th Communications Squadron
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2001-2005, 2E1X2, AETC Headquarters
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Reflections on MSgt Harder's
US Air Force Service
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PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE AIR FORCE.
I was driving a long way to work at a ranch and I was still at home after a brief stint of working out of state. I was not paying rent and sort of stuck in extended adolescence. My dad set me down and told me he was going to start charging me for rent and utilities unless I got a good full time position and moved out on my own. He then suggested that I consider the military. Best advice he ever gave me I think. I talked to my best friend and we decided to enlist in the AF under the buddy program. Should have been assigned into the same unit for basic training. However, he failed to meet the minimum requirements for enlistment. (Don’t really remember why he was rejected) I took the jump alone and glad I did. My Grandpa on my mom's side served during WWII as a radio operator/maintainer and was awarded for gallantry under fire. I guess he also had some influence.
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WHETHER YOU WERE IN THE SERVICE FOR SEVERAL YEARS OR AS A CAREER, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH YOU TOOK. WHERE DID YOU GO TO BASIC TRAINING AND WHAT UNITS, BASES, OR SQUADRONS WERE YOU ASSIGNED TO? WHAT WAS YOUR REASON FOR LEAVING?
I was given a great job and decided early to make a career out of the service. I was selected to be dorm chief in basic training and then went from green, to yellow, to red rope as a student leader while at technical training at Keesler AFB, MS. I enjoyed the leadership roles and was pretty good at it. At one point, there was a major reduction in force that affected my career field and so I would not have to cross train, I took a special duty as a Military Training Instructor. Finished my tour there and completed my career as the Functional Manager in the field at HQ AETC. Could have stayed longer but a civilian position opened up on the same base so I retired from active duty and to this date perform the same maintenance function as a civilian.
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FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
I met my wife, had kids, and made lifelong friends. Many memories float around in my mind but the best of them that comes in the form of duty related memories happened twice in my career. I have never been able to take examinations well (test anxiety) affects both of my girls too. I was promoted to SSgt and MSgt under the Stripes for Exceptional Performers program STEP. The second was handed to me in person at my desk by the MAJCOM Commander. The last one was being handed a set of orders for my one year remote tour to Honduras on my birthday.
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