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Enlisted leaders engage at summit

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman William Blankenship
  • 42nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. --  
Key enlisted leaders gathered at Air University's Senior Non Commissioned Officer Academy on Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, April 18-22, 2016, to take part in a Senior Enlisted Leader Summit. The chiefs discussed current Air Force issues and directly interacted with senior Air Force leaders.

"Air University sets the standard for learning in our Air Force, so in that sense it's a perfect place to bring our senior enlisted leaders together to connect with each other and learn about future programs," said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody. "And of course, AU has the tremendous learning facilities and support networks to provide a great experience for the team of enlisted leaders attending."

The command chief master sergeants, career field managers, professional military education commandants and other key senior enlisted leaders from across the total-force spectrum received updates from senior leaders directing current and future Air Force initiatives, and participated in a panel discussion with several former chief master sergeants of the Air Force.

Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, and Command Sergeant Major John Troxell, the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also addressed the group.

"The summit is really about directly connecting our senior enlisted leaders to the broader Air Force picture," said Cody. "They're hearing directly from our senior-most Air Force leaders who are leading programs and making decisions that directly impact our Air Force, our Airmen, and their families ... so it's also about providing that feedback from the ground level where the mission gets done, so we can better understand the directions we need to go as an Air Force. When we're all on that same level of understanding we really are better prepared to lead our Airmen."

The chiefs also interacted with others who are accountable at their level, strengthening their relationships Air Force wide.

"While the information is incredibly important, I want people walking away with stronger relationships," said Chief Master Sgt. Timothy Horn, Air University command chief. "Some of the real work and value of the summit takes place in the hallways and break out rooms where our chiefs can network, collaborate and talk through important issues."

It is the intention to bring senior enlisted leaders together on an annual, and in some cases biennial, basis.

"Having the opportunity to hear directly from the chief of staff, chief master sergeant of the Air Force and other Air Force leaders impacts our chiefs in such a positive way and that cannot be overstated," said Horn. "Our command chiefs, functional managers and commandants will be able to leverage the information and discussion from the summit to shape the things in their job jar, to provide context to the issues they're working on and to better inform their Airmen."