Bridging the gap

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michaela R. Slanchik
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
The Airman Professional Enhancement Seminar kicked off for the first time at McConnell this week.

The two-day seminar was geared toward Airmen who have completed initial on the-job training, but have yet to join the NCO tier.

“Through the Airmen PES, Airmen are able to be set up for further success between FTAC and ALS,” said Master Sgt. Christopher Evans, 22nd Air Refueling Wing career assistance advisor. “This seminar is designed to make sure you’re being taken care of and growing in that time.

“Our goal is to make better people, because better people make better Airmen,” Evans added.

The seminar included lessons on mentorship, followership, career progression, physical fitness, bullet writing, disciplined professionalism, open dialogue with various rank tiers and allowed networking with Airmen from other units.

“I wasn’t ever worried about learning how to write bullets before,” said Airman 1st Class Breanna Anderson, 22nd Medical Support Squadron exceptional family member patient travel coordinator. “But, now that I know how to do it, I can put more responsibility on myself and take the work off of my supervisor.”

Course attendees also expressed that when they first arrived on-station is when they were offered the most opportunities to ask leaders questions, but didn’t know what questions to ask. They voiced that this course was taught at the perfect time in their career, because they now know what knowledge they lack.

The course can be used as an indicator of where you are professionally and personally, and suggest ways you can improve from there.

“Right now I go to work and forget the big picture and what’s behind it,” said Airman 1st Class Kendrick Hughes, 22nd Force Support Squadron fitness center specialist. “This taught me to tailor my mind to lead other people, better influen`ce my peers and get out and do more as an Airman.”

Whether Airmen decide to finish their enlistment and pursue dreams outside the military, or finish a career with the Air Force, they can take tools from professional enhancement courses and utilize them to enhance any personal or professional venture.

“I want to be able to take this uniform off and be comfortable with today’s Airmen leading tomorrow’s Air Force,” said Evans. “This course is our tool to reinvigorate you and remind you why you’re here.”

The next class is scheduled for this December. If you’re interested in signing up for the AMNPES or any other professional enhancement course, contact Master Sgt. Christopher Evans or Staff Sgt. Richard Robbins in the career assistance office at (316) 759-4676/4251.