Seminar prepares future SNCOs for next enlisted tier

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Lindsey Maurice
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Forty-eight master sergeant-selects stationed out of Aviano and abroad received insight into some of today's top Air Force issues as well as a refresher in lessons of leadership, followership and those challenges they may face as they begin their journey as senior NCOs.

These lessons came as part of the Aviano Senior NCO Professional Development Seminar, which ran July 29 through Friday. The seminar culminated with the SNCO Induction Ceremony Friday evening.

"This is an important seminar for these up and coming master sergeants to attend for three reasons," said Master Sgt. Donald Russo, 31st Fighter Wing career assistance advisor. "First, it's a good refresher of key material, essential to being an effective mentor. Second, it gives them the 'secret handshake' - or insight into what it means to be a senior NCO. The expectations of an NCO and a senior NCO are drastically different. Finally, this is a great networking opportunity for these master selects. Not only do they get to know each other, but they get to meet some of Aviano's best and brightest SNCOs, who come and teach at the seminar."

As the career assistance advisor, Sergeant Russo runs not only the semi-annual SNCO PDS, but the Airman and NCO PDS'. Each course is designed as a gap-filler between professional military education courses, said Sergeant Russo. There are no grades given and no awards to garner, just an open environment for the attendees to learn some valuable insights, he said.

Each course is required to cover certain topics, such as ethics, discipline, counseling and mentoring, professional military writing, leadership, team building, resource management and the enlisted force structure; however, unlike PME, Sergeant Russo is given the flexibility to add new topics as seen fit.

"For instance, this time we had Chief Master Sergeant David McAfee of the U.S. Air Forces Europe manpower and personnel, who handles enlisted assignments for the command, deliver a powerful briefing, which was extremely well received," Sergeant Russo said. "He was able to give them some big picture information and a glimpse into future personnel programs."

Tech Sgt. Shane Nash of the 31st Fighter Wing said the seminar was quite different from what he expected going into it.

"My expectations were that of a condensed version of Airman Leadership School and the NCO Academy," he said. "But, interestingly enough there was much more information. Specifically in how the 'system' works once one attains SNCO. That was quite enlightening. But, all in all, it met my expectations and then exceeded them with a full compliment of information that's useful."

Another highlight to this particular SNCO PDS course was guest speaker Fifth Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Robert Gaylor, who led a special block entitled "Leadership in Action".

"I loved listening to Chief Gaylor simply because of the history there," said Sergeant Nash. "Regardless of how long ago he served, despite technology, nothing has changed. People are the assets that have to be nurtured; they win wars...not technology."

During Chief Gaylor's visit, he also toured the base, visiting with many Aviano Airmen, and attended the SNCO Induction as the guest of honor.

"He really had an amazing impact on the attendees," Sergeant Russo said. "He's one of the best motivational speakers and storytellers I've ever heard. We were lucky to have him here."

Another feature of the PDS was the chief master sergeant and first sergeant panels, which provided an open forum for the attendees to ask questions. Each panel consisted of three members.

"This was a fantastic opportunity for the attendees to ask questions on important issues they might not normally have the chance to," Sergeant Russo said. "Their questions covered everything from adding physical training test scores to the EPR and common SNCO discipline challenges to attributes of an effective leader and the future of the Air Force."

A good portion of the first sergeant panel discussion also revolved around the job itself as many of the attendees are potential "diamond wearers" once they pin-on master sergeant, Sergeant Russo said.

The attendees were also able to get some face time in with the 31st FW commander and command chief master sergeant during the seminar, Sergeant Russo added.

"Both leaders provided valuable words of wisdom to the class," Sergeant Russo said. "General Franklin (31st FW commander) emphasized the importance of teamwork in getting the mission accomplished. One of the things he said is the most important word in leadership is 'we.' It really hit home."

On the last day of the course, like most seminars, the attendees were asked to fill out feedback worksheets. Their comments touched on everything from sessions they liked to those that could be improved upon, to great briefers and topics that could be added, but there was one theme that was common in all - an overall satisfaction with the seminar and appreciation for the hard work that was put into its preparation.

"I've attended all of the levels of professional development as I have progressed through the ranks - the key word being 'attended,'" said Master Sergeant Christopher Ford of the 31st Force Support Squadron. "This was different. This seminar challenged me to break the mold, to step out and challenge the status-quo.

"It's refreshing to have SNCOs of all grades challenge you to step up and do the right thing. I received a renewed power and am ready to make my mark on Aviano and the Air Force."

The next SNCO PDS is scheduled for February 2009.