AFMC Command News

New AFMC chiefs attend orientation

  • Published
  • By Kim Dawley
  • Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  The 26 newest chief master sergeants within Air Force Materiel Command gathered for a three-day orientation at the command's headquarters here earlier this month. The AFMC Chiefs' Orientation is held every year after the promotion selectee list is published.

"Chiefs' Orientation is important to help the senior enlisted leaders make a smooth transition to their new role," said Chief Master Sergeant Eric Jaren, AFMC command chief. "Chief master sergeant selects have a whole new set of expectations placed on them. They need to have a broader perspective of Air Force issues and to look out for the best interest of all Airmen. During the week we had meaningful discussions on a variety of topics. The exchanges are important so they establish a connection with other chiefs across the command."

One of the first sessions the new chiefs attended was a Leadership Perspective with Gen. Donald Hoffman, AFMC commander.

"As chiefs, you are the most public, visible face of the enlisted force," General Hoffman said. "That makes you public servants more now than ever before."

After sharing his leadership priorities, the general encouraged the chiefs to embrace diversity, be positive motivators and take an active role in mentoring the junior workforce.

The rest of the Chiefs' Orientation included sessions covering different functional areas and perspectives -- everything from a First Sergeants panel, a Fitness Update, a Legal Perspective, a session on Customs and Courtesies, and more.

"Some sessions are standard and included every year," Chief Jaren said. "For example, some of the chiefs are new to the command, so we always include a mission brief to familiarize the group with what AFMC does for the Air Force. We also try to get the chief of the Chiefs' Group here every year, because assignments and personnel issues are handled differently for chiefs."

Other sessions at the orientation change each year, targeting current trends or issues within AFMC or the Air Force. Because 2011 is AFMC's 'Year of the Community College of the Air Force,' for instance, an Education Update session was included.

In all the sessions, servant leadership and engagement were heavily emphasized.

"Now, more than ever before, chief master sergeants are expected to be engaged as we confront the challenges facing our great Air Force," Chief Jaren said. "Chiefs also need to be involved in developing, mentoring and role modeling the behavior we want our Airmen to emulate. I was extremely impressed with the caliber of enlisted leaders that were promoted this year and can't wait to see the impact they make to the Air Force."