MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- The 22nd Maintenance Squadron is pioneering a new leadership program called Stripes Refueled at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas.
The program is for both senior airmen that have completed Airman Leadership School and those who have been selected for staff sergeant. Airmen spend multiple days immersing themselves with leadership and other maintenance specialty shops to gain a new perspective and learn from.
Stripes Refueled was created by Tech. Sgt. Michael Jarnegan, 22nd MXS programs flight noncommissioned officer in charge, after he identified a training gap between what his Airmen were being taught in ALS and what they needed to know to succeed.
“Our ALS graduates and seasoned senior airmen have the technical skills, they understand the mission, and they’re more than capable,” Jarnegan said. “What they often lack is real exposure to leadership in action across different levels.”
While touring other maintenance shops, Airmen can see the full scale of how their work contributes to keeping our tankers in the sky and helping other Airmen accomplish their jobs.
“One of the most impactful takeaways was shadowing the maintenance flight,” said Senior Airman Gordon Sears, 22nd MXS metals technician. “Observing how my job directly affects another section or units’ ability to accomplish the mission reinforced the importance of every role in the maintenance enterprise.”
By identifying the specific needs of his Airmen, Jarnegan enabled them to be more prepared to face the challenges of being a new supervisor in their career field.
“What’s made the program successful so far is how practical it is,” said Jarnegan. “Airmen aren’t sitting through slides, instead they’re standing beside leaders, they’re observing and learning through experience.”
By giving Airmen a hands-on and face-to-face opportunity to see how leadership decisions are made, they are better prepared to mentor and lead Airmen successfully and continue investing in one another to build morale, strengthen the force and improve the culture for future Airmen.