Airmen mentoring Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Deana Heitzman
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  An original program offered to 31st Maintenance Squadron Airmen gives them an opportunity to further develop their knowledge of Aviano's mission.

Airmen Mentoring Airmen was recently reinstated. The program allows Airmen to explore what each shop within the squadron entails and how they directly impact each other.

"The squadron is broken down into six flights and one Airman from each flight is chosen to participate," said Master Sgt. Jamie Hanson, 31 MXS programs flight chief. "Throughout the week, Airmen spend half of a duty day with a different shop to learn what they do."

Although under the same squadron, the flights are vastly different.  In comparison, maintenance and aircraft ground equipment flight members might see an aircraft daily, whereas accessories and avionics flight members only see the aircrafts' individual components.

"Some of our shops are very isolated and do not get to see other sections," said Hanson. "Airmen mostly stay within their work centers and do not get an opportunity to see our whole squadron."

Hanson gave the example of how members in avionics flight are constantly behind closed doors due to security issues. Being able to see other shops within the maintenance flight is an experience that can help them comprehend how their jobs tie together and to successfully accomplish the mission.

Throughout the day, Airmen underwent the shop's normal work routine, to include training sessions and briefings. They followed an Airman around and learned about the important details of their job.

"This creates a greater appreciation amongst the shops," said Airman 1st Class Juanluis Cota, 31st MXS crew chief. "Learning more about what they do on a daily basis gives you more insight on the impact their job has on your job." 

Cota also explained how learning common tasks within different shops teaches him of things to be aware of and pass on to his fellow coworkers. 

"When I visited the electronic warfare shop, I learned that the smallest bump or scratch on the dome of a radar could make it defective," said Cota. "Knowing this information, I can pass it to other members in my shop to ensure we are paying closer attention to that area of the aircraft."

Knowledge is not the only thing these Airmen develop participating in this program; they also build connections with other Airmen. Cota explains how knowing Airmen within other shops makes things easier when problems arise.

"It is important for Airmen to know the aspects of the squadron and how it affects the overall flying mission," said Hanson. "Each Airman has their own specialty, but understanding how each piece works and is utilized for the mission is vital for our development."