Symposium sets standards for efficient, total force training

  • Published
  • By Maj. Chad Gemeinhardt
  • Air Force Civil Engineering Strategic Communications
WASHINGTON (AFNS) --  Air Force officials recently concluded the annual Environment, Safety and Occupational Health Training Symposium in Nashville, Tenn., where more than 1,200 active duty, Guard and Reserve Airmen met for intensive training.

By gathering in a single venue, and maintaining a busy class schedule throughout the week, students collectively completed 738 training sessions and earned 570 professional certifications, all while saving valuable time and taxpayer dollars, an Air Force official said.

Through local command funding, coordinators spent about $200 per student and travel costs averaged $1,500 per student, according to installations, environment and logistics officials. The cost of comparable training on individual bases can reach $20,000 per student.

"It's very cost effective to do (training) in this fashion," said Terry Yonkers, assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, environment and logistics. "Lean times aside, training has always been one of our paramount roles and core responsibilities, so I think we're doing it right."

Maj. Gen. Timothy Byers, the Air Force civil engineer, provided opening remarks for the symposium and emphasized the importance of institutionalizing an ESOH-focused culture across the Air Force.

"ESOH is part of our culture, and needs to be even more in our culture ... whether you are active duty, Guard or Reserve, military or civilian."

General Byers highlighted ESOH is a total-force priority and noted three major benefits to the week-long training: ensuring compliance with all ESOH regulations, reducing risk to Airmen in work spaces, and instilling a culture of continuous improvement.

The symposium also offered a unique networking and cross-training environment, and a valuable opportunity for Reserve and Guard personnel to receive first-hand instruction related to ESOH issues.

"I'm learning a lot about safety, but I especially enjoy learning some of the aspects of other career fields, such as engineering and environmental," said Maj. Jennifer Stokes, a first-time attendee from the Air Force Academy safety office.

Throughout the week, symposium attendees were encouraged to consider innovative solutions for everyday tasks.

"Let's think about how we can do it better," Mr. Yonkers said, challenging Airmen to apply what they learn, but continue to question conventional wisdom.