JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
According to Air Force Instruction 36-2618, otherwise known as The Enlisted Force Structure or "Little Brown Book," an Air Force chief master sergeant "must epitomize the finest qualities of a military leader" and is charged with mentoring Airmen throughout their installation. Chief master sergeants here fulfilled both of these duties by attending an open lunch forum at The Courses at Andrews Aug. 7, 2012, held by the base's Company Grade Officer Corps.
The forum afforded CGOC members the opportunity to gain a senior-enlisted perspective on topics such as career development, mentorship, gaining and keeping influence in the workplace, and officer and enlisted relationships.
"AFI 36-2618 requires Senior NCOs to develop young officers," said 2nd Lt. Stephanie Scheffler, CGOC member. "But, we don't always take the time out of our busy schedules to sit down and listen. Sometimes we need to take a more deliberate approach to our development and schedule such time. All CGOs can benefit from a chief's wealth of knowledge. One of the CGOC's goals is to provide CGOs with such an opportunity."
Throughout the luncheon, CGOs asked the chiefs how they as CGOs could best mentor the young enlisted Airmen in their unit.
"As a leader, you can't be afraid of confrontation," said Chief Master Sgt. John Morris, chief of Andrews Regional Command post. "I would also encourage you to be honest with your people. Transparency gains more respect than acting like you know all the answers."
Chief Master Sgt. Patrick Skiver, 779th Medical Group career functional manager, also gave the CGOs his perspective on the type of leader who influenced him most when he was a new Airman.
"The best commander I ever had - cared," said Skiver. "She treated her Airmen like her own children. She knew us by name and kept up to date on our personal lives."
With full bellies and full minds, CGOs left the career development luncheon ready to share their new-found insight with their shops and fellow CGOC members.
"It was cool to see some senior enlisted leaders take time out of their busy schedules to mentor CGOs," said Capt. Clayton Fuller, 11th Wing assistant staff judge advocate. "I really appreciated the specific answers that most of the chiefs gave."
Chief Master Sgt. Tim Horn, 11th Wing chief of enlisted Professional Military Enhancement, agreed.
"Everyone is busy," said Horn. "But you just can't put into words how important it is to get outside of your environment, and your functional area, to talk about leadership and break bread with fellow Airmen. My hats off to these CGOs for taking that time."