DFAC shift-lead: training prepares future supervisors

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Justine Rho
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England – Airmen from the RAF Mildenhall 100th Force Support Squadron and the RAF Lakenheath 48th Force Support Squadron, graduated from a dining facility shift-lead course Oct. 27.

The two-part training tested both the knowledge and skills of the Airmen in attendance. The training is limited to four to six individuals to allow the instructor to create an individualized lesson plan that hones in on the strengths and weaknesses of each student.

“The first part consists of the knowledge portion, which is taught on the very first two days,” said Tech. Sgt Andy Alvarez, 100th FSS DFAC assistant manager. “The second part is the hands-on training, where they will be rated on how they perform during meal hours. Students will need to demonstrate that they can lead a shift, assign personnel to multiple duties and oversee the whole operation.”

The week-long course was led by Tech. Sgt Charles Todd from the 345th Training Squadron from Fort Lee, Virginia. The services instructor travels to various bases across the Air Force to instruct future force support supervisors.

“I tailored the lessons to each student based on their abilities to ultimately progress the team,”
Todd explained. “The students were very receptive and they worked hard throughout the training.”

Several factors came into play when it came to deciding which five Airmen would attend the course.

“Students who are being chosen to attend this training are picked based on initiative shown at work, standing out above their peers, their ability to lead and a high sense of responsibility,” Alvarez explained.

The course challenged students in different ways.

“I think I was chosen because I'm more of a soft-spoken person and I needed this training to develop my leadership techniques,” said 48th FSS food service technician. ”I've learned what is expected of everyone including myself, as well as, to be more outspoken when issues arise.”

Airman 1st Class Carl Smith, 100th FSS food service apprentice, gained a new perspective on the responsibilities that he was being prepared for.

“As a shift-lead, you take a leadership role to make sure the dining facility is looking and functioning in a professional manner,” Smith explained. “The key lessons I am taking away from this training is to be more of a leader towards my peers and work hard towards the mission.”