CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Not many people can say that they have been preparing for their career since they were a child, but for Staff Sgt. Hugh “Scotty” Stout II, 27th Special Operations Support Squadron air traffic controller, his career path seemed destined from the beginning. So much so, that his passion for his career has garnered him the title of air traffic controller of the year at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, two years in a row; but perhaps even more notably, of the Air Force.
Coming from Air Force lineage, Stout was accustomed to being immersed in the airframe lifestyle from day one. His father, Hugh Stout, was an air cargo specialist who helped instill a genuine respect and appreciation for flight at an early age.
While most young children were spending their days watching cartoons, young Stout was mesmerized by his father’s home videos of different aerial assets. As his fascination with flight intensified over the years, Stout finally raised his right hand to join the United States Air Force in June 2009 and embarked on what would be a very natural lifestyle for the young airman.
“By learning all I did from my dad at a young age, it was no problem at technical school having to learn about these different airframes because I could pick it up so quickly,” Stout explained. “The mental aspect of tech school was challenging. They really taught you time management, as well as managing priorities. You are tested mentally to see whether or not you have the capacity to grasp the concepts and complexities of air traffic control.”
ATC is split into two distinct sections; the tower which is fast-paced as Air Commandos are responsible for the local airfield, and the radar approach control that deals with surrounding airspace.
”The biggest rule of RAPCON is preventing airframes from getting within three miles of one another,” explained Stout. “There is a delay on the screens, which makes it challenging; if they get within that distance, game over. You could lose your ratings all because you broke a simple but extremely important rule about managing airspace.”
Though these portions of ATC are typically manned by separately trained airmen, Stout was selected to make the transition from the tower to RAPCON to become dual-certified, which he attributes to the accomplishments he recently earned.
“Once I made staff sergeant, leadership sent me to the RAPCON to get rated so they could use me in both facilities; and I ultimately feel that helped me win this award,” Stout humbly said.
“I got thrown in the dual qualification because they needed people, but I am always one to raise my hand and take on new challenges,” he continued. “Whether I am scared or not, I realize that the Air Force is way bigger than I am. If they need something, it is time to step up. I did not volunteer, I did not raise my hand, but when they said we are going to push you along this path, I said ‘ok’.”
Considering recent recognition, Stout notes that without the guidance and support of his leadership, he would not be where he is today. Stout credits the close-knit community Cannon has provided for him as a huge attributing factor of his recent recognition.
“I had awesome leaders that helped set me up for success,” said Stout. “The first person to congratulate me and tell me that I won this award was my chief controller, who is actually at another base right now. I think that says a lot about this wing. If everyone just went about their business, they might not have taken the time to send congrats back. I think Cannon is all about building those solid relationships that have the ability to last your entire career.”
If you take away the awards and list of accomplishments Stout has received, you are left with an airman who expresses a deep appreciation for the opportunities that the Air Force has afforded him. You have an Air Commando who believes in putting others and the mission before himself, and can easily see the big picture needs of the Air Force. Stout acknowledges that good character and building a positive reputation are far more important than any award or recognition.
“Service before self is an easy way to say this, but you have to understand that the Air Force has entrusted you to carry out the mission,” Stout said. “The Air Force is going to keep going once I take this uniform off, so I am going to do whatever I can to honorably serve while I have it on.”