CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico -- More than 30 chief master sergeants gathered together Feb. 7-9, 2017, for a Chiefs Orientation course at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M.
The three-day course sought to benefit newly-appointed chiefs by integrating them with senior leaders and current command chiefs from across the command to exchange ideas and discuss relevant matters in today’s Air Force. Distinguished guests also provided mentorship, guidance and perspective to aid the new chiefs in their new responsibilities.
“It is these chiefs that will lead at the tactical level,” said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody, guest speaker at the orientation. “They are now expected to be that conduit between what it is a majority of our Airmen do every single day, excluding the mission, and understanding how that all fits in to the direction we are headed as an Air Force. Bringing these chiefs together to let them collaborate and network will better prepare them to become the chiefs we expect them to be.”
Topics such as becoming a resilient leader, providing honest council to commanders, the meaning of not being able to promote anymore and having the ability to impact every Airman were all discussed between one another throughout the week.
“Chief master sergeants represent about one percent of the enlisted force,” Cody said. “It is important for us to be able to make sure that one percent knows exactly the type of strategic-level thinking we need to have in order to accurately lead the other 99%. This is why we come get together.”