Empowerment through professional enhancement programs

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jerilyn Quintanilla
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  In the year 1597, Sir Francis Bacon said, "Knowledge is power." These words still ring true today and in the military, much knowledge can be gained through professional enhancement programs.

Today, the Air Force is as competitive as it has ever been and the staff at the professional development center is working on ways to help Airmen distinguish themselves, by means of PEP programs.

The PDC currently has 25 classes that rotate throughout each quarter, and are open to both officers and enlisted Airmen from RAF Mildenhall, RAF Lakenheath and RAF Feltwell. Classes include enlisted performance report writing, assignment management process, CMSgt/SMSgt Central Evaluation Board Process and a joint war fighter course.

Many of the classes are geared toward military operations, processes and history, although other classes such as time management, conflict management, leadership styles and public speaking teach skills that are useful outside of the military environment.

"The goal of these classes is to educate and develop Airmen," said Master Sgt. Jener Tiongson, RAF Mildenhall career assistance advisor. "We encourage Airmen to seek out ways to better themselves professionally and personally."

Although it's an individual responsibility to seek out professional development, Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Powell, 100th Air Refueling Wing command chief, emphasized that supervisors have a vital role in helping their Airmen.

"Supervisors should have an active role," he said. "They should be looking for opportunities that can benefit them and the Airmen they're responsible for."

The chief emphasized that the education opportunities available to Airmen is unique to the Air Force.

"The U.S. Air Force trusts young Airmen with more responsibilities than almost any other agency or service," said Powell, a native of South Fulton, Tenn. "We trust them because we ensure they receive the proper training and guidance beforehand."

For more information about the professional enhancement classes available on base, contact the professional development center at DSN 238-5933.