AFMC Command News

Senior NCOs incorporate mentoring with fitness activity

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Eric Grill
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Senior noncommissioned officers here added a twist to their "Fit to Fight" team building exercise April 11.

A group of about 65 senior NCOs went on an early-morning 4.5 mile hike through the nearby Mojave Desert and, during the hike, chief master sergeants took the opportunity to mentor their fellow senior NCOs and use the vast terrain of the desert as examples of leadership.

"To me, this hike, like our past formation runs, is yet another way for senior NCOs to bond into a cohesive team," said Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Soltis, 412th Test Wing command chief. "Some say we could bond and grow camaraderie by meeting at the club for beers, but there's something to be said about the challenge of the chosen event itself."

The fitness walk and hike was a departure from the standard, two-mile runs in formation.

"It's another way to outwardly show we embrace where the Air Force went...not where it's going," Chief Soltis said. "Fit to fight -- fit to carry one's self and one's own gear into battle -- with the strength and determination necessary to carry their Wingman back out of harms way can't happen overnight. It has to be part of our daily lives."

Talking about how the idea of the hike came to fruition, Chief Master Sgt. Luis Drummond, 412th Operations Group superintendent, said "for me hiking in the desert started off as a way to get fit. Fitness is a huge issue for our Airmen today and making fitness apart of our culture and daily life is a leadership challenge."

One way Chief Drummond said he believes we are able to incorporate fitness into a person's lifestyle is by making it fun.

"For me walking on a tread-mill (while) watching TV or running circles around a track isn't very exciting," Chief Drummond said. "But by combining my love of nature, the history of the base and the camaraderie of walking with a Wingman, I discovered a physical activity that I truly enjoy."

During one of the mentoring sessions on top of one of the peaks, Chief Master Sgt. Eric Jaren, 95th Mission Support Group superintendent, asked everyone to look to the mountains on the horizon and follow it around for 360 degrees. He then asked everyone to point in the direction the group was headed after the mentoring session. Everyone pointed to a different bearing. He used this as an example of leadership.

"Everyone needs to have a definite course, not just professionally, but direction for your life," Chief Jaren said. "We need to set goals and milestones and continue to grow throughout our lives. Without it, you don't know where you're headed or when you'll get there and end up wasting time."

"As leaders we must not be afraid to explore different and innovative ways to deal with and solve problems," added Chief Drummond. "When you are on top of a hill overlooking the entire base ... it gives you perspective that you didn't know existed."