USAFE command chief builds partnership capacity in Bulgaria

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Gino Mattorano
  • USAFE Public Affairs
SOFIA, Bulgaria --  The top enlisted advisor to U.S. Air Forces in Europe visited Bulgaria Nov 2-6 to explore cooperation opportunities for enlisted professional military education.

Chief Master Sgt. Pamela Derrow, USAFE command chief, spent the week meeting with Bulgarian air force leaders, and talking about how enlisted force development can help both countries -- as NATO members - better perform their assigned missions.

She also emphasized that her visit to Bulgaria will benefit both US and Bulgarian air forces, that the visit is not one-sided, as US and Bulgarian enlisted leaders exchange information and learn from each other.

"This has been an exciting opportunity to meet with our coalition partners," said Chief Derrow. "We've had a great time learning how they do NCO development, and what we've found is that they are doing things very similar to how we do them."

Like the United States, The Bulgarian air force is committed to advancing the careers of its enlisted force, and a key part of that advancement is accomplished through providing leadership opportunities and training for noncommissioned officers. Chief Derrow, and Chief Master Sgt. David Lawrence, the Kisling NCO Academy commandant, met with Bulgarian air force leaders to discuss opportunities for Bulgaria's enlisted to attend the Kisling NCO Academy.

Building partnership capacity is a key USAFE mission area, and command leadership believes NCO development is a crucial part of a strong Air Force.

"One way we build partnership capacity is by helping our fellow NATO nations enhance the roles NCOs play in their force structure," Chief Derrow said. "NCOs are the backbone of the U.S. Air Force, and by providing these opportunities for Bulgarian and other NATO countries to send their NCOs to our schools, we are helping them to build the foundation for a strong enlisted corps."

Bulgarian Warrant Officer Ivo Bakardijiva, acting chief master sergeant of the Bulgarian air force, was the host for the visit, and expressed his excitement about the possibility of providing opportunities for his airmen.

I think it's a good idea to cooperate with our NATO neighbors to send our enlisted leaders to attend courses like the NCO Academy," said Warrant Officer Bakardijiva. "Until now, we haven't had very good programs for development of our enlisted forces. Our NCOs need opportunities to develop their leadership skills, and improve their English, especially for the positions that require us to coordinate with [neighboring NATO countries]."

During the visit, Chief Derrow had the opportunity to visit several Bulgarian air force bases to meet with NCOs and learn how enlisted fit into the overall force structure.

Bulgarian Chief Master Sgt. Hristo Hristov, chief master sergeant for the Communication, Information and Navigation Squadron at Graf Ignatievo Air Base, Bulgaria, provided a mission overview briefing for his base and talked about the importance of leadership in the Bulgarian air force.

"It's very important to build on this leadership foundation, he said. We can pass on our knowledge, our experience, and our work capabilities to help future generations."

He also expressed interest in collaboration between his country and the United States Air Force.

"It would be a great opportunity for our airmen to study abroad, especially with the United States," he said. "The US Air Force has a lot of knowledge about leadership, and this would allow us to enhance our skills and abilities, and to meet peers and exchange fresh ideas."

NCO development is so important for our NATO partners," said Chief Derrow. "Especially when we go downrange, we like to know that the training we have is very similar. During our visit, a Bulgarian officer said it very well, 'we must provide leadership training for our NCOs because when something happens to the officers, our enlisted have to step in and provide the leadership to continue the mission.'"

Chief Lawrence, the Kisling NCOA commandant, was very impressed with what he saw in the NCOs he met.

"Everyone was so professional and disciplined," he said. "I think we have a lot more in common than we realized, and I'm absolutely looking forward to having Bulgarian NCOs attend the Kisling NCOA."

A Romanian Air Force Noncommissioned officer recently graduated from the Kisling NCO Academy, paving the way for more international students to follow in her footsteps. Chief Derrow is confident our efforts here will generate dividends in the future.

It was such a wonderful opportunity to be here," she said. "We met some wonderful NCOs who have great pride in what they do, just like we have in our Air Force. As we move forward, I think we're going to see some amazing things happen in the professional development of NCOs."