Junior enlisted offer leadership advice to SNCOs

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jerilyn Quintanilla
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Some of RAF Mildenhall's senior NCOs and future SNCOs found themselves on the other end of the table taking advice from Airmen during an Airman panel here Jan. 23, 2013.

According to Master Sgt. Brian Applin, 352nd Special Operations Support Squadron radio frequency transmissions systems NCO in charge, the purpose of the panel was for SNCOs, to get advice directly from Airmen on ways they can be more effective leaders.

Five Airmen from various squadrons volunteered to take part in the panel. These Airmen were given the opportunity to speak about their perception and expectations of SNCOs and to address issues that concern them most.

Airman 1st Class Stephen Beasley, 100th Civil Engineer Squadron Heavy Equipment journeyman from Roseville, N.C., stressed the importance of NCOs remaining proficient at their job and recognizing and using their Airmen's abilities and skills.

Drawing from personal experiences, the Airmen voiced concerns and offered advice about effective training, mentorship and approachability.

"Be the NCO that Airmen go to, the NCO that Airmen from other sections want to go to," said Airman 1st Class Seth Gonzales, 352nd Special Operations Group aviation resource manager from Albuquerque, N.M.

Highest on Airmen's list of concerns, however, was communication.

"The Airmen expressed their expectations for leaders to be effective communicators," said Tech. Sgt. Corey Plowman, 100th Air Refueling Wing protocol NCO-in-charge. "When they see poor communication, it makes them less confident in their leader's ability."

The panel evoked higher hopes and expectations from the junior enlisted in the room.

"I hope this opened their eyes about things they're doing or not doing to help their Airmen and to improve their sections," Gonzales said.

For the more experienced Airmen, hearing the words coming from their subordinates cleared misconceptions and shed light on issues they may not address properly or overlooked altogether.

Speaking to NCOs and officers about Airmen and what motivates them is good, but it was a great experience hearing it right from the source, Plowman said, adding that the panel has improved his ability to lead and communicate with Airmen as he prepares to assume greater responsibility as a master sergeant.