U.S. Air Force squadron intelligence director: "Feeling of accomplishment'

First Lt. Brian No, U.S. Air Force

"Things get hairy when we deploy out of garrison to support a contingency such as Operation Allied Force or Operation Southern Watch. In garrison, we train to fight against a simulated adversary; when we’re involved in a contingency, we’re doing it for real."

October 24, 2000
Web posted at: 2:34 p.m. EDT (1834 GMT)

Name

Brian No, First Lieutenant, U.S. Air Force (Korean name: No, Kyung Yun)

Position

Director of Intelligence for an Air Control Squadron based out of Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. As an intelligence officer I provide timely intelligence to support the war fighter. A typical day gets gobbled up by current intelligence briefs, adversary threat briefs, training, research, analysis and dissemination of intelligence to the squadron.

Years in position

A little over two years in the Air Force. About a year in the intelligence career field and four months with the squadron.

Age

25, Year of the Rabbit

Education

Central Washington University, Ellensburg, Washington, a BA in geography. I also studied abroad at Yonsei University, Seoul Korea. For everyone in college: Study abroad. It was the most rewarding experience I’ve had so far.

How did you get your current job?

I did four years of Reserve Officer Training Corp (ROTC) in conjunction with college.

How many hours do you work per week? And what are your hours?

Twelve-hour days are pretty regular in garrison. I wake up at 4:45 a.m. and leave for home around 6 p.m. During a deployment however, the hours can get pretty hectic.

What's the first thing you do when you get to work in the morning?

I fire up the unclassified and classified 'puters and start researching for the morning briefs

What time do you have lunch? What do you usually eat?

1p.m. Lunch special No. 17 (Sichuan pork ribs) with sweet tea at the local German-Chinese restaurant in Spang.

QUICK VOTE
	How much do you think an Air Force job like Lt. No's might help lay the groundwork for a career? Should be a big help. A lot of the tech training in the Air Force can transfer to civilian jobs easily. Depends on how well you plan. If you choose the right focus on duty, it could get you ahead later. I'm not convinced it's a sure bet. You'd have to do some research to be sure your skills would roll over to later work. View Results

What time do things get tense around the office? What makes it that way?

I'd have to say things get hairy when we deploy out of garrison to support a contingency such as Operation Allied Force or Operation Southern Watch. In garrison, we train to fight against a simulated adversary. When we’re involved in a contingency, we’re doing it for real.

If you're having a good day at work, what is it that makes it good?

Feeling of accomplishment. You know, that feeling you get when everything is in its place and all loose ends have been tied?

How much work, if any, do you take home?

None

What does your work contribute to society?

If you’ve ever read a MAD magazine or seen a flick with James Bond or read a book with Jack Ryan as the main character, you’d realize how much of an impact we’ve made on the entertainment industry. Ha!

Do you expect to finish your working life in this career?

Probably not. I’m leaning toward getting out of the Air Force and pursuing a master's degree in transportation planning.

If you could have two more careers, what would they be?

I’d like to become a powerful network exec, so I can get rid of some of these lousy military shows, such as "Pensacola: Wings of Gold." Or a professional golfer.

What is an unforgivable trait in a colleague?

Unforgivable? I think the question needs to be reworded. A trait that I dislike is lack of motivation. Officers without motivation can't set a good example to our airmen, and with the continual exodus of personnel leaving the military, we need stronger leaders who can excite the troops so that they excel in their jobs. Ultimately, true motivation must come within.

What do you do to relieve stress?

I like to take my ’87 535i BMW I bought for $2,000 and drive as fast as I can on the Autobahn. Probably not the safest thing to do in the world, but it keeps my sanity in check.

What have you been reading lately?

A variety of books that I don't have to spend many brain bytes on. “The Testament “ (John Grisham, Doubleday), “Executive Decisions” (Anthony Fowles, Longman) and “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” (Robert T. Kiyosaki, Sharon L. Lechter, Warner Books).

When you have one of those days on which you don't think you can face the job again, what is it that gets you out the door in the morning and off to work?

Thinking, "I need a new set of clubs."

Uncle CyberSam wants YOU
October 9, 2000

AirForce.com
Spangdahlem Air Base

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