It turned into;
1) the "best" jobs are there ones where you fly the least but still fly.
2) get uber-qualified to do mission you'll never do but look like you do on paper
3) be seen working wayyy too hard as much as possible because, if you don't, someone else will. Being the last one to leave work is a good start on this
4) ground job matters more than flying. Chief "teaches you how to be an officer".
5) drink and have fun
It's shit like this that makes me glad I'm in the reserves.