Mentoring future leaders

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ryan Conroy
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  A new course designed to educate newly-appointed flight commanders and flight chiefs had its inaugural debut, Jan. 22-23, here.

"To be held responsible for the care of others is an honor and a great, humbling privilege," said Brig. Gen. Barre R. Seguin, 31st Fighter Wing commander while addressing the group about fostering cohesive leadership. "This is an opportunity to take all of the skills that you've studied or observed in other leaders and put them into practice."

Master Sgt. Sarah Mayersky, 31st Force Support Squadron career assistance advisor, was one of the people who helped create the commander's course.

"The course is designed to provide leaders with effective tools to enhance their leadership skills and capabilities," said Mayersky.

To help educate the group of new commanders, several important aspects of leadership such as communication, enlisted and officer career progression, bullet writing, and manpower were presented over the two-day period.

Twenty-two people attended the course, which included lieutenants, captains, majors, senior NCOs and a civilian. With such a diverse group of leaders, there's hope for interaction within the ranks as each career progresses.

"A huge portion of this seminar is networking between SNCOs, and field and company grade officers. They will be able to learn from each other's experiences, which will help guide them when they're faced with similar situations and it will allow them to reach back to one another in the future," said Mayersky. 

Throughout the course, a recurring theme was taught by numerous presenters - rely on the SNCOs in each workplace.

"What a lot of Airmen forget is that one of the duties of the SNCO is to help the officers appointed above them. It's right in the little brown book," said Mayersky.

Mayersky was referring to "The Enlisted Force Structure" or Air Force Instruction 36-2618. In Chapter 5.1.5. it says "Help leaders make informed decisions. SNCOs must draw upon their knowledge and experience to provide constructive input to best meet the challenges facing their organizations."

Chief Master Sgt. Anthony W. Johnson, 31st Fighter Wing command chief one of the presenters expressed certain expectations that higher leadership has of flight commanders.

"You are shaping the Airmen and leaders of tomorrow," said Johnson. "This responsibility is not something that is given to just anyone. You have the potential to change, mold and lead your Airmen. Just the title of flight commander reflects the confidence that another commander has in you. When you're taking this role on -- take it seriously. Your Airmen are counting on you."

The course is expected to continue at least twice a year and Mayersky is relying on feedback from the graduates of the first class to continue developing the program.