In addition to this, don't assume that staying out of trouble and being good at your job will help you climb the promotion ladder. The Air Force is one of the slowest promoting branches out there. My "equals" in Air Force EOD, as far as pay grade/rank, all have 2-3 years on me. One way to help yourself out... college. If you don't have a degree after your first four years in, then you're behind the curve. Other than that, don't ever turn down an opportunity to travel, even if it is to some shit hole in the middle east. Trust me, they're all worth it...