When it comes to military education, 'just do it'

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Frederick Baquiran
  • 349th Medical Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  We can't emphasize it enough: Professional Military Education is critical in development of our enlisted and officer corps.

It teaches the core structure and foundation needed for the self-continuum of learning throughout an Airman's career.

It is such an important and vital component that there is specific guidance to follow, Air Force Instruction 36-2301, Developmental Education.

Your continued PME doesn't stop with completing Airman Leadership School or Air and Space Basic Course. Whether in-residence or via correspondence, it is the beginning of an Airman's career development as they progress through the ranks.

Combine PME courses with training, education, experience and self-development and we are rightfully preparing our future leaders for success. It starts with the primary basic courses such as ALS or ASBC.

As members meet the minimum time-in-service commensurate with their rank, they have the ability to attend more rigorous and demanding courses. At this level, members learn and gain more supervisory skills, enhancing their growth by attending Non-Commissioned Officer Academy or Squadron Officer School, once again, offered in-residence or by correspondence.

As members gain more time in service and are at the management level, they increase their managerial level with greater scope and responsibility by attending Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Academy or Air Command and Staff College. Finally, at the most senior level, you have the Chief Leadership Course and Air War College.

Residence PME courses can be as challenging and tough as a college level course, with the leadership, teamwork, speeches and fitness consolidated and streamlined into one course. At the enlisted course, the awards at this level are tremendous with the following: John Levitow Award, Commandant Leadership Award, Distinguished Graduate Award and Academic Achievement Award.

As we become operators in today's joint environment, we must develop the knowledge, skills and perspective to function at our best to support a diverse team. On the enlisted side, there are the basic, career and senior enlisted joint PME.

On the officer side, there are joint introduction, joint awareness and joint PME phases I and II. Based on rank, there also is the opportunity to attend sister-service PME courses such as Army Sergeant Major Academy, Navy Senior Enlisted Academy and Marine Corps Staff NCO Academy. Lastly, there also are comparable international PME courses available.

These courses are so valuable that we actually get leadership, management and Military Studies credits in our respective Community College of the Air Force specialized degree program.

Completion of PME is not just for your own self-growth, but good for meeting a board for promotion or other opportunities. Like a famous shoe manufacturer's trademark says, "Just do it."

Don't think about it. It's that important.