This is axiomatic for command opportunities.  Someday a general officer will call you with a proposition; “You are doing such a fine job as Deputy Commander here, I want you to stay on as Commander.  Would you?” 

You’ll be towards the end of your unaccompanied tour to a small base in Korea and ready to “go home”, you’ll have to move your kids out of their school and overseas to accept the command, your wife will need to leave her new job, and the offer won’t be the job you wanted next. 

The first time you get the call, it won’t be for the command you want.  It may not be the command you want for several calls over several years, but know this: when offered the opportunity to command, take it. 

If you turn down this low-key offer or any other opportunity to command, you take yourself off the list of potential commanders for future opportunities.  There are few reasons young officers will refuse the opportunity to command. 

As you mature and grow a family, however, there will come many reasons not to move “at this time”.  You will need to balance the needs of spouse and kids for school, medical care, and jobs against your Air Force career. 

Make your decision before you get the call, recognize the call for what it is when you get it, and give the general your answer. 

You only get to say “No” once.