A Week of F16 Cleaning Duty: A Military Lesson Learned

During my time in the military, I was given one of the worst duties ever assigned as a punishment. My offense was quite simple but incredibly provocative: showing up for a morning shift still plastered and hung over from the previous night's revelry. This led to a week spent cleaning F16s, an experience that left a lasting impression on me. My story, along with the lessons I learned, is here for your consideration.

Showing Up Drunk for Duty: A Huge Mistake

On a Thursday evening, I had a night out that left me quite drunk by Friday morning. As many soldiers know, showing up for duty drunk is a major no-no, especially for a fighter jet crew chief. During morning assembly, I wasn't particularly coherent, leaving me wondering how I'd even make it through the day. The first lieutenant checking our rooms made his feelings known, but most importantly, he didn't haul me right down to the MPs due to a combination of my confession and our mutual friendship. However, the seriousness of the situation was still on full display.

The Confrontation with the LineChief

After the assembly, I was escorted to the LineChief, a veteran Captain who had likely seen my situation before. Given the gravity of the situation—potential loss of my security clearance—it was an intimidating conversation. I confessed my actions, knowing that I would likely face severe punishment. Our conversation went something like this:

Me: Captain, the soldier has to regretfully put himself on the not-able-to-work list today. I have been stupid.

LineChief: (looks at me, then stares out the window) Well how stupid have you been, airman?

Me: Somewhere between 12 and 15 pints, Captain.

LineChief: (moment of silence) Yes, that is rather stupid of you. (long pause) You do know that this will mean that you will get punished for this and that you will not enjoy this.

Me: Yes, Captain. I will take my punishment as given regardless of what this may be.

The Harsh Punishment: Cleaning F16s

The punishment was indeed severe. The LineChief explained that I was unfit for duty due to my inebriated state and that I would be given a cleaning duty punishment in the future. For the next week, I would be spending my days cleaning F16s, which is far from a glamorous task.

With my environmental suit on, I tackled the cleaning of the cockpit, exterior, and most importantly, the engine. Each F16 required a full clean every 200 hours, a process that involves scrubbing with harsh soaps and using corrosive inhibitors. The hazmat suit and cumbersome gloves made the job extremely uncomfortable, but I soldiered on, cleaning 9 aircraft before I was deemed fit for duty again.

The Experience: A Harsh Reality

Each F16 cleaning was a tedious process. The cockpit, seating, and avionics all required meticulous attention, while the engine bay was particularly challenging due to the cramped space and the harsh chemicals used. The combination of the protective gear and the dirty, cramped quarters made the task incredibly unpleasant.

The Aftermath and Lessons Learned

At the end of the week, when I was finally allowed back into the Linehouse, the LineChief pulled me aside. He asked if I had learned my lesson. And yes, I did. My actions that day left me with valuable lessons:

Never show up drunk for duty again It is better to confess and face the consequences instead of trying to hide or making things worse The importance of remaining sober and responsible, especially when handling potentially dangerous equipment like F16s

The experience was hard-earned and provided a stark reminder of the importance of responsibility and discipline. While my time cleaning F16s was difficult, it ultimately taught me a valuable lesson.