Mentoring Airmen; essential for AF

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Micheal Williams
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing command chief
Last week I spoke to you regarding preparing our Airmen to be supervisors, and leaders as well as their continued development. One of the most rewarding things a person can do is help another reach their full potential. As enlisted leaders, mentoring and developing our Airmen is an inherent responsibility. However, if we are to remain the back bone of our Air Force we must all strive to better ourselves. 

Especially now! We are headed for some difficult and challenging times! Our Air Force is changing in front of our very eyes…AFSO21 and Program Budget Decision 720 are a couple of initiatives that will change our culture as we know it today. Some would say the AF is constantly immersed in changes. Yet, we are revered as the most formidable Air and Space Force in the world. It’s imperative that we remain committed to being the best or those residing behind us will soon surpass us. 

But in the midst of all the changes we have witnessed, I don’t believe any one would argue that the one thing that has remained constant is our enlisted force and the leadership we bring. From the early enlisted leaders who transitioned us from the Army Air Corps into a separate service, to those who lead our Airmen on today’s battlefields around the world and here at home—leaders such as yourself…and the ones you develop. Mentoring is just one of the many tools we use to develop our Airmen. 

Mentoring isn’t something we just invented ten or twenty years ago. The title/label may have changed, but it has been an integral part of our force development since the inception of our great Air Force. We have a very diverse team of talented men and women here at Travis. Our NCOs and Senior NCOs must make a commitment to mentor those that can benefit from their training and experience…our Airmen need mentoring more today than ever before. We must mentor all Airmen and not just those that walk, talk and act like us. Motivate every Airmen to operate at their maximum effectiveness to meet and exceed the demands on our force. 

We must convey to our Airmen that we need their enthusiasm, energy and technological expertise focused on the mission everyday. Instill in them that being a good follower is a prerequisite to being a good leader. Be proud of what they do and the contributions they’re making to keep our nation free. 

NCOs, you are our front-line supervisors. We depend on you to shape our Airmen and to give them the tools and training they need. Get back to the basics of face-to-face leadership. Get to know your people. Train them, care about them, hold them accountable, reward them, then sit back and watch them soar. 

Senior NCOs, take your experience and focus it downward toward your people. Move obstacles that keep them from efficiency, listen to their fresh ideas, and be their advocate. Make those that follow you better Senior NCOs than you and I am today. The most important job you will ever have is the one you hold right now. And, remember, there’s nothing in life more valuable than people.