PACAF chief selects gain knowledge, insight for new rank

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. LuCelia Ball
  • Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs
HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii --  A group of chief selects met here for a week-long orientation to the Pacific Air Forces way of doing business during the PACAF Chief Orientation Course Jan. 11-15.

The event included 65 chief selects and was hosted by Chief Master Sgt. Brooke McLean, PACAF command chief.

"This week is an investment in our newest chief master sergeants," said Chief McLean. "It gives them the opportunity to learn about their new grade, understand the new expectations and discuss common issues in PACAF. The orientation is also a terrific forum to raise concerns to the headquarters and we appreciate the candid feedback."

Chief Master Sgt. Michael Prah, PACAF fighter weapons section chief, went through the course last year and volunteered to assist with this one.

"Senior master sergeants who are selected for promotion almost suffer an identity crisis when they become chiefs - they lose their last name, go from sergeant to chief, and are now expected to know a little bit about everything," said Chief Prah. "The point of the orientation is to give these folks the applicable tools to become a great chief in PACAF and better assist those below them."

The course kicked off with an introduction to Maj. Gen. Douglas Owens, PACAF vice commander, and a PACAF mission brief.

"He provided an eye-opening experience by talking to us about what he sees on a daily basis," said Senior Master Sgt. Steven Poole, PACAF Logistics command weapons manager. "After he provided an overview of PACAF's capabilities, I was in awe of how much leadership is aware of and responsible for."

The command perspective was also beneficial for another student.

"The idea I took away was that you have to know the overall mission of the theater you are in," said Senior Master Sgt. Dee Smith, superintendent of Pacific theater air network operations center, Wheeler Army Airfield. "In general terms, you carry that to wherever you are going to go. We should be embedded in the culture as chiefs so we understand every day what the high-interest item is for our senior leadership so we can pass that down to our troops."

The rest of the week was filled with interaction with officers and seasoned chiefs on a variety of topics, including assignments, personnel issues, fitness and manpower.

The event also gave the group a chance to network.

"There are really two different learning and professional environments going on here," said Senior Master Sgt. Steven Poole, PACAF Logistics command weapons manager. "We have the structured briefings that provide knowledge and perspective and the other avenue is tied to networking. Learning about other people's (Air Force Specialty Codes), what concerns they might have within their AFSCs, helps to better understand where they're coming from when you're talking to them about an issue. You'll know from their perspective and where they're coming from."

The course also included an Enlisted Heritage Dinner at the Tradewinds Enlisted Club, with presentations by each numbered air force chief on a past or present-serving chief who they regarded as a great enlisted leader.

"I took this course last year and had no idea what to expect," said Chief Prah. "Now that I've served as a chief for a few months, the information I gained at the course was invaluable."

The orientation was also beneficial to the up and coming chiefs.

"It's been greatly beneficial," said Sergeant Poole. "By networking and meeting people, by learning more about the mission, getting a perspective from the command that we are assigned to, it's a good experience for all of us."