Enlisted education gets new namesake

  • Published
  • By Scott Knuteson
  • Air University Public Affairs
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AFPN) --  The official designation ceremony of the Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education July 11 was the last in a series of events transforming Air University into streamlined centers for professional education, research and doctrinal development.

The Barnes Center will serve as the umbrella organization for the Air Force Senior NCO Academy, all continental U.S. NCO academies, the Community College of the Air Force and the Air Force First Sergeant Academy.

The move will "synergize the missions of Air University's premier enlisted educational institutions," said Chief Master Sgt. Michael Brake, director of staff and operations for the center. It "sets the framework for future efforts to meet the educational and training needs of our millennial Airmen."

Prior to the ceremony, the Barnes Center was known as the College for Enlisted Professional Military Education and did not include the First Sergeant Academy. The academy was previously a function of the Eaker College for Professional Development here.

Col. Wade Johnson took command of the newly-dubbed Barnes Center from Col. Thomas Klincar. Colonel Klincar's retirement ceremony followed the redesignation July 11.

The most significant physical change related to the Barnes Center reorganization is the relocation of resources and personnel from the Community College of the Air Force on Maxwell to its own facility next to the Barnes Center Headquarters on the main drive of Gunter Annex.

The Barnes redesignation, the last major alteration in a series of organizational maneuvers at the "Intellectual and Leadership Center of the Air Force," also comes on the heels of a landmark leadership change, which shifted three commanders into new slots. 

Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz, Lt. Gen. Allen G. Peck and Maj. Gen. Stephen J. Miller assumed new positions as commander of Air Education and Training Command, Air University commander and Air University vice commander, respectively. The latter position, which General Miller occupies, also functions as the LeMay Center commander. All three leaders held positions within Air University prior to their promotions. 

Maj. Gen. Maurice Forsyth assumed command of Air War College and the Spaatz Center July 11, the positions General Miller vacated.

The Barnes Center's namesake, who became the fourth chief master sergeant of the Air Force Oct. 1, 1973, succumbed to cancer five years ago.

Chief Barnes was the first African-American in the armed services to hold the top enlisted position.

In an article written by Neil Nichols, the 4th Fighter Wing historian, Chief Barnes is quoted as saying that he "would like to be remembered as a role model for people who believe they can't get there. It was an honor to have been chosen [as the CMSAF] on the basis of my qualifications, as opposed to my race or my gender."

According to Mr. Nichols, Chief Barnes not only focused on equal opportunity for minorities, but also "worked to solidify the enlisted professional military education system."

As a result of his drive to improve education for Airmen, the Community College of the Air Force and the First Sergeant Academy were established.

A plaque for the new center says the chief "believed no one should advance in rank without professional military education."

The Barnes family will be present for a dedication ceremony here July 24.

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