Senior NCOs mentor junior sergeants in Iraq

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Phyllis Hanson
  • 407th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs
ALI BASE, Iraq (AFPN) --  More than 30 NCOs attended the Ali Base Top 3 Council's NCO Mentorship Seminar Dec. 8 here to enhance their professional development. 

A panel of three chief master sergeants gave Airmen a glimpse into what it takes to make E-9, and discussed the new performance report and feedback.

"The role of the staff and tech (sergeants) are very important," said Chief Master Sgt. Charles Meador, 407th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. "As we lose officers, it is the staffs and techs who get the job done. They're the ones who make the Air Force go around."

The "greatest piece of advice we can give you is to know that little, brown book, (Air Force Instruction 36-2618, The Enlisted Force Structure) backward and forward," Chief Meador said. "Ensure you maintain standards and live up to those standards. Respect is better than friendship. Be a leader and don't be afraid to do the right thing."

Some of the advice the chiefs' panel gave to the junior NCOs was to remember where you come from, to get out there and be recognized, to be innovative, not to settle for the norm, and to always do the right thing.

The group was divided into three smaller groups for 30-minute sessions. The first panel discussed the revised Air Force Form 931 Performance Feedback Worksheet and Air Force Form 910 Enlisted Performance Report. The second panel discussed the how-to's of noting, correcting, and dealing with negative trends. The third seminar panel discussed how to write successful award packages.

The Airmen were advised to get to know who they supervise. Let them know your expectations up front and always lead by example.

"It's not very often you get one-on-one time with senior NCOs and get their viewpoint," said Staff Sgt. Michael Champion, 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron. "I got a lot out of the seminars. I've learned some things that I can take with me to better lead my Airmen."

"We came together as a team and left our mark on those junior NCOs who will follow in our footsteps," said Master Sgt. Jamie Vanoss, the 407th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron.

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