Advice for talking to a General

[Airman]

Hello,
I am writing to anyone who is willing to give advice on how to approach a General and perhaps what sorts of questions one might ask a General. Maybe some general Do’s and Dont’s. I was selected to represent my squadron to have breakfast with a Major General, I am an E-3 and have never had the opportunity to converse with a General before. I’ve done my research on him personally and his career as an officer and I think I have some questions or him, but I was wondering what sort of advice or etiquette may be floating around out there. Thanks to all in advance.

[mynewunit]

Talking to high rank or important people is not a any different than talking to anyone else, with one exception. Their time is very valuable. How do you show them that their time is valuable?
The first thing is he will determine what he needs to know about you in a few seconds. It is nothing impersonal, but he sees thousands of E3's a year. He knows where he was at E3, or at age 20 and all the things of the world that he now knows.
As far as meeting guys, you want to be who they want you to be, if you want them to be what you want. What does he want to see? The squared away kid who would go as far as to ask a forum of people for their recommendations. Dress like you are ready for inspection. Be early. Be polite to everyone you interact with leading up to, at and following the breakfast. Know when your hat should be on and when it should be off. Be mindful of your language.
Be honest about what you don't know. Ask "the help" for help. If you are met by an assistant, ask their name. Ask for a quick play by play of what you are supposed to do.
Once you get the General he will most likely ask how you ended there. Have a 90 second version of how you ended up in the Air Force, got to your unit, then you unit had a challenge, success and you won, selected, etc. You will probably be there with a half dozen other people, to a crowd. Have a question or 2 ready. Something that lets him tell you "What is wrong with this man's army". Something like What will our units look like in 20 years? What can we do to help you lead over the next 10 years? What does the soldier of tomorrow train on that we don't train today? What element of today's Airman will be an important in every airman from the next 100 years?
Honestly the life advice your Dad gave you will be as useful as anything General Specific. Firm handshake. Dress well. Be the first to help or volunteer. Be the last to speak. Treat others like you want to be treated. Be early.
Last thing would be my specific life advice. I always tell people to find the NCO. If you find the guy who is at the job, who knows how the sausage is made, and has worked to get better, he will know what works and what doesn't. Ask your chief what you should know. Ask if he would mind checking on you before you go to breakfast. Ask him if you should ask for a picture with the general, or any other ideas you might want to try.
Relax. Listen. Observe. Practice the Airman's creed.
Stay on the Path,
Brian McLean