Mildenhall firefighter selected as first NCO to attend RAF Airman's Command Squadron

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Eric Petosky
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  An RAF Mildenhall firefighter will become the first U.S. Air Force NCO to attend the Royal Air Force Airmen's Command Squadron since the two services began operating together more than 60 years ago. 

Tech. Sgt. Josh Trundle, base Fire Department Assistant NCOIC of Training and Safety, said he is excited to begin the course, the RAF equivalent of the NCO Academy, Feb. 12 at RAF Halton. 

"I think it's very important for enlisted leadership to attend combined training," he said. "Officers have been participating in foreign service exchanges for years. It's quite an honor to be the guy who starts the ball rolling on the NCO side. 

"Of course, there's a certain amount of stress involved. You have to think about who you're representing - not just your flight, your base, or even your service. You represent the United States. It's very humbling." 

The unprecedented opportunity was brokered between Senior Master Sgt. Chris Mohr, base Deputy Fire Chief, and RAF Warrant Officer Pat Patel, RAF Intermediate Management and Leadership Courses training supervisor. The goal of the exchange was to provide Airmen from both services the same opportunities afforded to senior NCOs and officers. 

"Sergeant Trundle was selected because of his leadership style and potential future growth," said Sergeant Mohr. "This training will augment his skills with a new and broader perspective on leading troops. He can apply those new leadership styles and concepts here." 

"(The) Royal Air Force has always exchanged training, ideas and courses with the U.S. Air Force," Warrant Officer Patel wrote in an e-mail interview. "On the Airmen's Command Squadron, Tech Sergeant Trundle is the first U.S. exchange student. He is very welcomed to the course and both organizations will benefit from this international exchange. 

"There are always huge benefits from this type of training for the RAF senior NCO," he added. "It gives generic understanding, a level platform to start out in leadership and management skills sets. During Sergeant Trundle's three-week course, he will learn, develop and exchange many ideas. He will have a complete understanding of senior NCO responsibilities." 

Training topics range from counseling and managing, to mission command and the future of airpower. Top physical fitness is highly encouraged, as all trainees undergo a 20-mile, two-day march. None of the training will be altered for Sergeant Trundle. 

"All training is corporate training, which evolves to the current operational needs," Warrant Officer Patel stated. "(The NCO exchange) will benefit us in the exchange of ideas and training concepts. I am very interested in how Sergeant Trundle progresses with this course, as he is the first U.S. Airman, and his opinion will allow others to follow. There are many benefits of interest to him - culture and cross-trade teamwork, individual confidence building, debates and report writing skills. He will increase his knowledge of Airpower and many other managerial skills. He is very enthusiastic and has enjoyed the first two days." 

Although the individual has not been selected yet, the RAF will also send one of its senior NCOs to the U.S. Air Force NCO Academy at Kapaun Air Base, Germany. It's unclear whether the exchange will continue in the future, Sergeant Mohr said. 

"My goal is to do my business, maybe come out with a few new friends, and gain a better understanding of the RAF views on NCO leadership," Sergeant Trundle said. "That's a success to me." 

Editor's Note:  Sergeant Trundle is certified as a Fire Officer 3, a Department of Defense rating qualifying him to command as many fire protection assets as a district or battalion chief in a large metropolitan district. His recent accomplishments include graduating with honors from the NCO Academy and earning Wing NCO of the Quarter, 1st Quarter 2008. He returned from a deployment to Iraq in late January.